Ashima Halder – Journey from Labour to an Entrepreneur

Ashima Halder, W/o Mritunjoy Halder is a Migrant Labour from village Nalpukur. She worked as migrant labour with her husband in Kolkata. In March 2020, their dreams were shattered when the government declared nationwide lockdown. They lost their livelihood and were bound to leave the workplace. After returning to the village, they started doing daily labour work.

They have 2 children. Their sons are studying in class-VI and class-II. Ashima got in touch with MUKTI in June 2020 when she heard about the organization and its work from fellow villagers. She took training in food processing under the SWAS (Swavalamban Accelerator in Sunderbans’) Project. She was fully dedicated to her work and always full of energy. After completing the 3rd batch of training, she received kit support to start a small-scale business for her livelihood generation. Her confidence level has boosted and now she is amongst the most active members of the village, who also plays a key role in generating awareness amongst people and educating them about the importance of this project.

Now she has started to make various food products like tomato sauce, brinjal pickles, mixed fruit jam, chili sauce, banana chips, guava jelly, varieties of snacks etc. She successfully learned food processing under the SWAS project and now she is actively involved in training many other needy women thus taking a step forward our Trained the Trainer concept of the project. She has successfully managed to sell most of her food products, her dedication towards her work is commendable. Due to her skill and expertise, she is now able to expand her business.