Devi actively contributes to the “One District One Product” (ODOP) initiative through her membership in a self-help group. This initiative focuses on producing various items such as baskets, mats, bags, pickles, chips, and papad. With the support of the group, Mrs. Devi has been able to achieve financial stability, which has enabled her to start her own business.
Before joining the self-help group and benefiting from the ODOP initiative, Devi worked for other people and faced severe financial hardships. She often had to take out loans with high-interest rates to make ends meet. This put her in a difficult situation, leading to embarrassing and degrading experiences due to her inability to repay the loans on time. The support from the self-help group has been instrumental in helping her overcome these challenges and achieve financial independence.
In an interview, Devi shared her journey from financial hardship to independence. Initially facing severe challenges, including derogatory comments about her debts, she found inspiration in NRLM and joined a self-help group. Over time, her situation improved significantly. Today, Devi not only supports herself but also encourages other women to join these groups and achieve financial autonomy.
Her products are now featured in various exhibitions and are highly sought after for village weddings, generating substantial profits. Devi is committed to connecting more women with job opportunities and raising awareness about the significance of self-reliance. Her story vividly illustrates how determination and community support can transform lives, inspiring others in the community to emulate her path to success.
