Seven Sisters Development Assistance
Blogs
From a Homemaker to an Entrepreneur
– Tarali Devi
Purabi Sarmah Saikia, who lives in the village of Lahing Tarajan under Kaliapani block, has become a of tenacity and strength. She is a dedicated wife, a loving mother of two children, and a resolute community leader, whose story is one of transformation and change. Her husband was the only bread earner of the family, who made a living by driving a magic vehicle to collect tea leaves in the local area.
Purabi has long been a committed member of the Aparajita Self-Help Group (SHG) and serves as the President of Shibani Village Organization (VO), a role that underlines her dedication to the betterment of her community. Yet, like many women in rural areas, she faced challenges in creating sustainable income opportunities. She reared Backyard Poultry (BYP) using traditional methods, which provided limited returns and little scope for growth.
A Journey with SeSTA
With her newly acquired knowledge and resources, Purabi’s poultry business began to grow steadily, bringing her profound results in just a few months. She successfully sold 100 kilograms of chicken, earning Rs 33,750, and 700 eggs, which added Rs 6,377 to her income. Determined to expand her business further, she invested in an incubator. This proved to be a wise decision, as it allowed her to hatch 90 chicks and 50 ducklings, which she sold for Rs 6,100. These achievements reflect the dedication and hard work Purabi put into her business, as well as the impact of the support she received. It has also been marked a turning point in her life. The income not only helped her support her children’s education but also contributed to household expenses, easing the financial burden on her husband.
Diversifying Her Efforts
Beyond poultry, Purabi diversified her activities to ensure a stable income. She started cultivating vegetables and began rearing pigs and goats in small quantities. Her dedication to these ventures further strengthened her family’s financial stability, showcasing her ability to manage multiple income-generating activities successfully.
A role model for the community
Purabi’s success has made her an inspiration for other women in her locality. Seeing her hard work and achievements, many women have stepped forward to start their own poultry farming ventures, creating a ripple effect of empowerment in the community. Her leadership as President of the Shibani VO has also enabled her to guide and motivate others, making her a beacon of hope for many.
Way Ahead
Purabi often expresses her gratitude to SeSTA for their unwavering support. She believes that her success is not hers alone but also a testament to the collective efforts of the SeSTA team and the opportunities provided through the ABF PRIDE project.
Today, Purabi Sarmah Saikia stands as a shining example of what determination, proper guidance, and hard work can achieve. She has not only transformed her own life but has also become a source of inspiration for others, proving that change is possible when opportunities meet ambition. Her journey is a testament to the impact of empowering women and the vital role they play in fostering development within their communities.
Her story reminds us that every step taken toward empowerment has the potential to ignite a movement, and Purabi’s journey is indeed a movement worth celebrating.