19/02/2026
When crisis struck, our savings became our strength.”
Sashakt Saheli | Kahani Zameen Se
“In our village, women once lived within narrow boundaries shaped by social pressure and limited opportunities. Most of us were confined to household responsibilities, and our dreams slowly faded. Life felt stagnant, and we rarely imagined a future beyond daily survival.
Our journey began in 2017 when we formed a Self Help Group. At first, our small savings seemed insignificant. But during the COVID period, when my husband lost his job and our family faced financial hardship, those savings became our lifeline. I took a loan of ₹20,000 from the group and started a small cloth shop. Gradually, I expanded the shop and stabilized our household income.
Through the support and guidance of Surya Foundation, we received financial literacy training and exposure to entrepreneurship. In 2022, I attended a Women’s Self-Reliance training camp at Jhinjhauli, where I learned to make washing powder. After the training, we began producing it within our group. I also started selling handmade products made by village women through my shop.
With the Foundation’s support, we began setting up stalls to sell our products, gaining confidence and visibility. Alongside livelihood training, we learned yoga and pranayama, which we now teach to others in the community.
Today, our group has become a source of strength and inspiration. What began as a small savings group is now a path toward self-reliance for many women. I currently serve as the group secretary and head of the Nav Soch Gram Sangathan. Our journey has inspired other women to step forward, and our village now has multiple groups working toward independence and dignity.
This journey taught me that when women come together, save together, and learn together, they reclaim not only their income — but their identity.”
— Premlata
Self Help Group, Bahadurgarh
19/02/2026