A Journey of Resilience, Financial Independence, and Community Strength In rural India, where financial independence for women was once a distant dream, the Jyoti Self-Help Group (SHG)stands as a shining example of transformation. What started as a small collective of determined women in November 2004, has evolved into a thriving business venture, empowering women to take control of their financial future.
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A Story of Empowerment, Sustainability, and Hope A Struggling Past: Kataramal, a remote village nestled in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, was once plagued by severe economic hardship. Despite its scenic beauty, the village struggled to provide reliable sources of income. With limited livelihood options, many young people migrated to cities, leaving behind an aging population dependent on subsistence farming. The fertile land seemed to offer promise, but poverty and inconsistent income from small-scale agriculture forced families to live hand-to-mouth. Without financial security or alternatives, Kataramal’s community felt trapped in a cycle of poverty. Hope for a better future seemed dim.
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Empowerment, Resilience, and Sustainability at the Heart of Change In the heart of Uttarakhand’s Almora district, the villages of Dhamas, Raun, and Daal have long depended on agriculture as their primary livelihood. Yet, for decades, farming in this region was marked by significant challenges—low crop prices, erratic weather, and increasing wildlife threats left farmers struggling to make ends meet. Many were forced into debt just to cover basic needs. But today, a millet revolution is changing their fortunes. Through the Livelihood and Enterprise Development Program (LEDP), supported by Gramin Samaj Kalyan Samiti (GRASS) and NABARD, over 150 farmers have found new hope. By adopting climate-resilient farming techniques, high-yield millet seeds, and gaining direct market access, they have revived finger millet (mandua) farming, creating a sustainable and profitable future.
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In the small village of Talla Gaon, located 15 kilometers from the nearest market and 200 meters from the main road, opportunities for economic growth were scarce. With only 96 families, the community depended primarily on agriculture and animal husbandry, but unpredictable weather and limited resources kept many in poverty. Yet, in the face of these struggles, Mrs. Ganga Devi emerged as a symbol of resilience and transformation. Her journey from financial distress to self-reliance through goat farming showcases how financial inclusion, technical training, and collective action can empower rural women to build sustainable livelihoods.
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