Swapana's fruits of labour and determination

Swapana Shil was busy weaving the thread for saris when we entered her household. Swapana resides with her husband and son in a small village of West Bengal. Swapana earns small amounts by wheeling and colouring the threads used in the nearby handlooms. Swapana says," The loan amount was used to expand my husband's vegetable business. He has a shop in the local market and we could not invest for more stock as the savings were for my son's education. Now the loan has opened new stock for sale." She remarks that the business has increased income by Rs. 1500-2000 presently. Swapana's friend Saraswati who came to visit Swapana says," I am happy as I have been a borrower since 10 years from Gram Bikash and my wheat and flour business has flourished. I have a shop now which my husband and I both run and it has made a huge change in our lives." Their other friends have invested and expanded their business such as handlooms, shops and so on. Swapana and Saraswati smiles saying," We never thought we could build our own house or can dream to see our children shine but our lenders have given us the opportunity." Swapana says," Our lenders have spread their light and happiness and we are lucky." While we leave they offered us sweets and expressed Deepawali and Kalipuja greetings for all.