Lipika Bera

Lipika Bera of village kishori Nagar under Pathar Pratima Gram Panchayat in the district of South 24 Parganas participated in the training on Handicrafts for making of turmeric powder, Chilly powder, cumin powder, katha sewing, etc. Shibganj Integrated Development Society organized the training program with rural poor ten women during three months. She submitted an application to the organization and appeared in the interview for selection of the trainees. She was 24 years of age and her father and mother have no ability to hard work. She has one brother and one sister and no sufficient land for cultivation. There was no regular job for earning.

The authority of the organization selected Lipika devi for participation of the training program. She continued participated in the training program and learned well. She stood first among all trainees. After completing the training she mentally prepared to start the work. She, at first, brought a machine for making various powders from borrowing interest free-money from the local teacher. Many families adjacent to her house come for making various powders such as turmeric powder, chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, etc. She makes packets of different powders with her mother and brother and sister at home and sells the products at markets. She left with the machine in various paras/mahallas in the village and made the powder at their home. Everyone likes for her manners and behavior and invites at their home.

She paid back the money borrowed from the teacher on time. She earns Rs. 5000-6000 per Month excluding other expenditures. She joined Self Help Groups and savings some money every month. In the meantime, some big plans came to her mind. Other self Help Group members in the village inspired by the works of Lipika Devi. The another group members are requesting to the authorities of the organization to organize various types of handicrafts and vocational training for the poor women in the rural area. Her family has now reached a respectable position.