Government of India
Ambika Mahata
State : West Bengal
District : Jhargram
Block : Nayagram
Village : Dhumsai
Self Help Group : Maa Sarada Samuh
Livelihood Activities : Sal plate stitcher, Entrepreneur (stitching centre)
Lakhpati Didi Journey
Ambika Mahata belongs to Dhumsai village of Jhargram district of West Bengal and member of Maa Sarada Samuh. Her husband is a farmer and usually gets work for a very short period of time, not having sustainable income. Initially she engaged in the collection of Sal leaves but eventually identified opportunities in the field of Sal leave stitching. After getting training in the stitching of Sal plates, she commenced her stitching activities at a dedicated stitching center.
Subsequently, she secured a loan of Rs. 10,000/- from a Self-Help Group to establish her own tailoring shop. The ownership of the tailoring shop resulted in an additional monthly income of around 7,000 complementing the 4,000 earned from Sal plate stitching. The obstacle she faced was a shortage of human resources for agricultural activities. Inspired by the idea of collective farming, she alongside fellow women farmers, initiated a collaborative effort to cultivate vegetables on her own land.
In her village, she emerged as a beacon of inspiration for other women. Her journey, fueled by the support of the Self-Help Group, became a shining example of how a modest beginning could lead to a flourishing livelihood. With sheer determination, she not only paved her own path but also showcased the potential for change.
