The joy that independence brings

I headed towards Kolasib to meet Sailovi, who belongs to Marthi group. Kolasib is about 3-4 hours drive from Aizawl, the capital of the state of Mizoram. I booked a ticket at a local sumo service to get to Kolasib from Aizawl. On a gloomy Friday morning at 6 a.m., we headed towards Kolasib. Due to heavy rainfall the previous night, a landslide had blocked the main road so we had to take another road. We were lucky to have such an efficient driver who made the journey very pleasant. He entertained us throughout the bumpy journey. I was greeted by Cathy, our WSDS partner in Kolasib, who accompanied me in meeting all our borrowers. When we reached Sailovi's house, there was a lot of commotion going on. We found out that she had just met an accident and was in a lot of pain. We were relieved to be informed that she did not have any major injuries, just bruises. We met her younger sister, Laldinpuii, who is also a member of Marthi group. She was glad to take the interview for her sister. Laldinpuii is a 37-year-old mother of one child. Her husband, who is the main breadwinner, works as a driver at the Sports Department in Kolasib. Their monthly income is about Rs. 8000. Laldinpuii, Sailovi, Lalmuanawmi, Zomuanpuii, and Lalbiakhlui had taken an enterprise loan of Rs. 75,000 from Milaap, to either start or expand their own small business such a such as poultry, piggery, and garment business. With the Milaap loan Laldinpuii bought 15 chicks, each costing Rs. 40. She used the remaining to buy chicken feed. After raising them for 3 months she usually sells them off. 1kg chicken costs Rs. 180 and most of her chickens are 3 kgs. She said she is thankful towards God as her poultry business has been doing well. It has helped her family avail the basic needs which they not could afford before and also buy more chicks for her poultry. She is proud to say that her group has been repaying the loan entirely on their own, without any problems. They are very grateful towards Milaap for giving them this opportunity and for the support.