Subhalaxmi Cooperative - empowering women towards a better life

It was the usual day for Sukanti when she came to know about the illness of her husband, the sole breadwinner of her family. The landless tribal woman of Banjari Village was clueless on how to lead her family. “My husband was working on daily basis in fields. However his health was deteriorating gradually and one day he became bed ridden” recounts Sukanti.

This story is not only about Sukanti. The plight of a family when the main earning member is unable to do so is worth spending some time over. Millions of questions arise. Why is it happening to me? What now? Who will support my children? These are simple questions but the power to face them requires immense courage. However, all hope was not lost for Sukanti. She was one of the women who bravely took things in her stride and provided with right opportunities, could do much more than just be a mere victim.

Subhalaxmi Cooperative promoted by Vedanta Limited came as a ray of hope for Sukanti. “One day, the field coordinator of Subhalaxmi conducted a meeting in my village. Looking at the opportunity, I joined the cooperative on 6^th January 2010” Subhalaxmi, the CSR initiative of Vedanta, provided opportunity to its members to save and borrow money for productive purposes.

Sukanti got Rs 5000/- as her first loan from Subhalaxmi and she started as small grocery shop in her house with her husband. Her maiden stint gave her fruitful results. Buoyed with that she applied for 2^nd loan amounting Rs 10,000. With this money, she established her small Grocery shop. Gradually the volume of sale increased and she was able to save Rs 100 to Rs 150/- per day as profit. This venture enabled her to repay the loan in time.

“We saw a spark in Sukanti. She was focused and disciplined. We could sense that she was ready to progress in spite of her adversities” narrated Dharmendra Mishra, the field coordinator of Subhalaxmi.

“I always wanted to give better education to my children and a secure future to my family. I decided to expand my business”. After tasting entrepreneurial success, she shifted to garment business. She is one of the brightest members of Subhalaxmi Cooperative with the best portfolio record.

The indomitable spirit of Sukanti enabled her to lead a comfortable life. “I extend my sincere appreciation to Vedanta for bringing me under the Subhalaxmi's fold. It has given a purpose to my life”

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