Lighting up Hoichin's small hotel

Made my way to Motbung village on a pleasant Tuesday morning which is about an hour away from Imphal, the capital of the state of Manipur in Northeast India. I headed there with Sir. Jemson who is the HR manager at WSDS, our partners in Manipur. We drove through beautiful paddy fields which were surrounded by hills, listening and singing our hearts out to The Beatles and other old numbers. We reached Hoichin's small hotel which is situated near the main road in Kanggui village. We were warmly greeted by her and her visitors at their dining area. Hoichin is a 40-year-old hardworking mother of three children. At present her husband runs a canteen nearby and earns Rs. 4000 a month. Hoichin earns Rs. 9000 a month out of which Rs. 4000 is used for renting their house cum hotel. She has 6 beds in her hotel and charges Rs. 150 a night. Together Hoichin, Hatneivah, Hatneithem, Lhingnu, and Kimbem formed a group called Kanggui (B) to seek a one year energy loan of Rs. 60,865 from Milaap. They each purchased 40 watts solar home lighting systems which has made their lives much more easier. They usually do not have electricity from 5 to 10 p.m which made it very difficult for them and their families to carry on with their work. With the solar home lighting system business has been running smoothly for all group members. Hoichin said, "With the solar home lighting system not only has my business improved but I have also been able to save money since I don't have to purchase kerosene or battery operated lamps and candles. It has drawn more customers as well." This group of women are very grateful towards Milaap and WSDS for the support.