Last week, we met Sunita Devi from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, whose journey from being a migrant worker’s wife to a community trainer highlighted the transformative power of self-reliance. Today, we travel to Assam to meet Sewali Rabha from Goalpora district and Minu Boroo from Golaghat district. They are empowering communities through local resources and opportunities.

Sewali: It feels amazing, Minu. Just two years ago, I hesitated to ask my husband for Rs. 500 to spend at the Dudhkuwar Bohagi mela, but this year I bought Dhoti and Gamosa for him, with my own earnings! Making Rs. 4,000 a month and training others has changed not just my life but has also changed our village.



Minu: Ji Didi! I still remember the nervousness when I started, thinking, ‘How can I lead others?’ Knocking on doors of people I barely knew was uncomfortable at first. But the more I pushed myself, the more I saw the hunger for opportunity in our community. In the last six months, I’ve trained 240 women, each one adding strength to our community’s development.

Sewali: Absolutely! I’ve trained 153 women in making banana chips, soaps, jams, and more. For most, it’s not just about income but using their time to better their families. Even small changes—like being able to buy school supplies or treats for their children—can uplift a whole family.



Minu: Exactly! Many of these women are incredibly talented but didn’t know how to market their skills. I focus on making their products market-ready, more durable, and attractive. It’s so rewarding to see their pride and confidence rise when they see their work appreciated and sold. Suddenly, they see the worth of their own efforts.

Sewali: I know what you mean; Quality is crucial. I learned to focus on standards. It's not just about mobilizing but ensuring we maintain high quality to compete in the market.

Minu: And the community sees us differently now, Didi. Younger girls look up to us, thinking, 'If she can do it, so can I.

Sewali: Yes, we’re teaching them self-reliance. I recently trained women to make banana chips, given that bananas are in abundance here. We even created an enterprise, selling 10,000 packets monthly, which earns around Rs. 60,000!



Minu: Drishtee Foundation has been crucial in helping us navigate market challenges. Our women don’t just see themselves as just wives anymore; they are business owners and leaders.

If you would like to connect with us virtually or in person to learn more about our journey, please reach out to the Drishtee team.

Stay tuned to meet our brothers from Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh next week.

Creative credits: Vishal Singh Kandari, Preetam Raj, Mayur Inamke, Ananya Saika, Anupama Roy, Chandan Jyoti Dutta.



The video below highlights how these Vaanis are helping hundreds of women find livelihoods and purpose, showcasing the true power of self-reliance.