In a world where financial autonomy can be life-changing, the story of Sangita Majhi stands out as a shining example of what’s possible when someone is given the right support and opportunities. This 26-year-old woman from the Champajhar village in Odisha has transformed from a traditional homemaker to a thriving puffed rice entrepreneur, inspiring others in her community to reach for their own dreams.

Sangita’s journey was significantly shaped by the support of the non-profit organization PRADAN (Professional Assistance for Development Action), which provided her with the resources and training she needed to turn her business idea into a reality. Through programs like “Start Your Business” and “Grow Your Business,” Sangita gained the skills and confidence to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and build a successful enterprise.

Today, Sangita’s puffed rice production business is not only a personal triumph, but also a beacon of hope for the women in her village. By sharing her story and actively encouraging other women to pursue their own paths to financial independence, Sangita is proving that with determination and the right support, anything is possible. Her journey is a powerful testament to the transformative power of empowering women and the ripple effects it can have on entire communities.

Sangita’s Background and the Turning Point 

Sangita Majhi’s story begins in the Champajhar village, where she lives with her husband, two sons, father-in-law, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law. After graduating from Keonjhar D.D. College in 2017, Sangita had settled into the role of a traditional homemaker, dedicating herself to the household and caring for her in-laws.

However, the family’s financial situation was a constant source of concern. Sangita’s husband, a primary school teacher, was the sole breadwinner, and his income was not enough to sustain the family of six. “It was getting difficult to meet our ends,” Sangita recalled.

The turning point in Sangita’s life came when a community resource person (CRP) from her local Panchayat informed her about a vacancy for a Sarathi, a community leader responsible for mobilizing women and raising awareness about skill and employment opportunities. Sangita’s educational qualifications and her confident performance in the interview landed her the role, marking the beginning of her journey towards entrepreneurship.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic and the birth of her son, Jagannath, temporarily put Sangita’s career on hold. Undeterred, she was encouraged to explore skill-building programs that could help her start her own business. This led her to participate in a series of training sessions organized by PRADAN, covering topics like “Start Your Business,” “Orientation on Business Plan Preparation,” and “Grow Your Business.”

The Puffed Rice Business Idea and Its Implementation

It was during one of her journeys home from the training sessions that Sangita’s entrepreneurial spark was ignited. As she was snacking on mudi, the local puffed rice, a brilliant idea struck her. “The plan to set up a puffed rice production unit in the Thakurmunda tehsil was almost like a no-brainer,” Sangita explained, “considering it was a popular snack in the area but had no local dedicated manufacturer.”

Fueled by her newfound knowledge and determination, Sangita wasted no time in putting her plan into action. She set up a shop near the local marketplace and reached out to PRADAN for a loan to purchase a puffed rice roaster machine. In June 2022, she secured a ₹30,000 loan through Rang De, a peer-to-peer social financing platform that provides loans to micro-enterprises at an 8% return on investment.

With the essential equipment in place, Sangita then hired a worker with experience in roasting puffed rice. Despite her initial unfamiliarity with the machines, Sangita’s persistence and willingness to learn paid off. She watched numerous YouTube videos to master the art of puffed rice production and, through trial and error, she eventually perfected her skills.

Sangita’s dedication to utilizing available resources, learning, and adapting to the challenges she faced was key to her success as an entrepreneur. “My persistence was unwavering,” she reflected. “After several trials and errors, I was ready to bring my business vision to life.”

Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success 

As Sangita set out to establish her puffed rice business, she faced a significant hurdle: the skepticism and discouragement from her fellow villagers. “The villagers used to comment, ‘You are a woman; what will you do in business, how will you support your family?'” she recalled.

However, Sangita’s determination and unwavering belief in herself were not to be deterred. She continued to forge ahead, driven by her desire to achieve financial independence and support her family.

Today, Sangita’s monthly turnover reaches around ₹40,000, with a substantial profit of about ₹22,000. “Since I have become an entrepreneur, I have created my own distinct identity in the hamlet,” she proudly stated.

Sangita’s success can be attributed not only to her hard work and entrepreneurial spirit but also to her strategic use of digital tools. She leveraged social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp to grow her customer base and become a community role model.

“I feel financial independence of women is important for many reasons including security, decision-making, etc.,” Sangita explained. “It makes me feel more secure and respected; it allows me to make my own choices and decisions without relying on others.”

The support of her family, particularly her mother-in-law, Jyotsnarani Majhi, and her husband, Paresh Chandra Majhi, played a crucial role in Sangita’s journey. “My mother-in-law would always encourage me to become self-dependent,” Sangita recalled. “And my husband has always supported me in strengthening my business; He also helped me with household work so I could get more involved in my career.”

Empowering the Community and Beyond 

Sangita’s success is not just a personal triumph; it has had a ripple effect on her entire community. Beyond being a thriving entrepreneur, she has actively taken on the role of a community leader, inspiring and empowering other women to pursue their own paths to financial independence.

“I encourage women to aim and work hard. I also share my journey in public forums at the Palli Sabha, Grama Sabha (village level meeting), and at Block office, so that women can realise what they are capable of and what they can achieve,” Sangita said. “I always tell them to open their wings and fly high to achieve their dream as nothing is impossible.”

Sangita’s commitment to empowering women extends beyond just motivational speeches. She has also attended training on gender-based violence, demonstrating a holistic approach to personal and community growth.

Sangita’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of empowering women and the ripple effects it can have on entire communities. By sharing her journey and actively encouraging other women to pursue their own dreams, she is helping to break down the barriers that have long held women back and paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future.

Conclusion

Sangita Majhi’s story is a true inspiration, a shining example of what’s possible when someone is given the right support and resources. From a traditional homemaker to a thriving puffed rice entrepreneur, Sangita’s journey has not only transformed her own life but has also become a beacon of hope for the women in her community.

By sharing her story and actively encouraging other women to pursue their own paths to financial independence, Sangita is proving that with determination and the right support, anything is possible. Her success has not only brought her personal fulfilment but has also facilitated transformative change within her village, empowering others to reach for their own dreams and create a brighter future for themselves and their families.