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She wanted to be self-dependent and strong

Written by Deepabali Publish date 08-Jun-2016
Sabita and Promila
Sabita and Promila

On a fine Friday morning, I went to meet Sabita and Promila, members of Bina Goyal and group. The streets were full of vendors. They were selling everything from fresh vegetables to prepared foods. As I was looking around, my field partner pointed towards a lane. I assumed that would lead us to our borrowers.

Sabita and Promila were at the door waiting for our arrival. We greeted each other by folding hands into ‘namastey’. After settling down inside, I asked about the other members. “They couldn’t make it baido,” Sabita said. Baido means sister in Assamese language. Sabita lives with her family of four and earns to contribute in the household expenses. Her husband earns Rs. 2000 per month. “I wanted a comfortable living for us,” Sabita said. “I believe one needs to earn to get the sense of freedom,” she added. The independent woman took a loan from Milaap through YVU micro-fin to start her business. She used the money to buy materials such as scent, oil, wooden sticks, charcoal powder, and other necessary items to make incense sticks. At present she runs a business of incense sticks. “I make the sticks in bulk and sell them in the local shops. I make various types of scented sticks,” she said. Sabita’s family income has increased by Rs. 7000.

Sabita also sells sealed packets of tea leaf. “Assam is famous for tea. I sell packets in the locality for additional income,” she stated. With the increased income Sabita bought a television for her children. “I bought two mekhlas for bihu,” she said smiling. I was really happy to know that they had managed to improve their life. 

“Did you learn bihu dance baido?” Promila asked me. With much disappointment I said, “No, I couldn’t.” Promila smiled and said, “That’s okay." She told me about her business. Promila is a vegetable vendor. She stays with her husband and three children. “My sons are pursuing graduation and my daughter is married," she said. Promila used the loan amount to buy more vegetables. Off late her business has been operating at a loss. But she believes ‘ups and downs are part of life’. At present Promila does door to door selling of chickpeas in sealed packets along with vegetable vending. She buys the 1 kg peas from wholesale market at a lower price and sells them in small packets of 30-50 grams for Rs. 40. “It helps me to make good amount of savings,” said Promila.

Appreciating their commitment towards work and family, I gave them a warm hug. I asked for a picture and they readily agreed. I thanked them and left for my next visit which was scheduled for the day.

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