Bhubaneswar: The popularity of Odisha Government’s novel program Mission Shakti solely rides on its mantra of enabling women to be independent and making successful entrepreneurs out of them.
One such success story is of Prabhati Nalini Das who hails from Baripada of Mayurbhanj district. Back in 2008, she had joined Jagruti Mahila Mandali SHG through Mission Shakti with the hope of becoming independent. Initially, her group made soft toys and embroidery but with low-profit margins they started looking out for other options.
“With Mission Shakti’s help, I went to Rajasthan and learnt to make jewellery with the use of silk threads. On returning, I passed on the knowledge to about 50 members of my group. While I was taught just 2-3 types, over time we have over 50 designs each of earrings, bangles and necklaces,” said Prabhati.
She stresses that Mission Shakti has acted like a pillar in their lives and provided them with not only training but an appropriate platform for showcasing their talent.
Profusely thanking Mission Shakti and State Government, Prabhati says, “All the members come from impoverished backgrounds and Mission Shakti has enabled us to be independent. Now each member easily earns 4000-5000 per month. We are not dependent on anyone but are rather supplementing our families’ incomes.”
She adds that all the jewellery is handmade with use of readymade base available with silk threads, stones and glue. It can be unarguably said that the colourful jewellery on display at the kiosk is the result of these women’s skill and hard work. The stall also houses handmade jute baskets of several sizes.
The stall has been a point of attraction with customers making a beeline to shop for their favourites.
Speaking to OMMCOM NEWS, customers Nilaprabha Singh and Pushpanjali Mishra voiced their happiness at the huge variety of items available and that too at an affordable price. They expressed their gratitude to the State Government for the Mission Shakti Mela.