Case study

His family was engaged in painting marble idols prepared by other artisans. Though Narottam had good skills in designing and painting marble idols, he was not able to fulfill his familial needs as returns were less. Narottam was confident that if he could start his own enterprise he would be able to prove his mettle. However, he was not able to raise the capital to start his own venture till he came in the contact of Lupin team. He came to know about the scheme initiated by Lupin Human Welfare and Research Foundation (LHWRF) for artisans. He met one of the field worker of LHWRF and expressed his desire to establish his own enterprise. Considering the skills and determination, LHWRF extended loan support of Rs. 25000/- to Narottam through SIDBI. Narottam initiated his own enterprise and started work with full dedication and sincerity. Since he had the skills his business flourished and started getting orders from other districts of Rajasthan. His income increased fourfold. He constructed newhouse and was able to send his children to good private school in the neighbourhood. He repaid his loan through regular installments. His business flourished with flurry of orders that were difficult to complete in stipulated time. Now he employs six youth from the neighbor hood and gave them training. Narottam earns more than 15 thousand per month. Now Narottam is not only selling marble idols in the States of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Goa but has also started exporting it to foreign countries. Narottam helps Self Help Group of artisans formed by the LHWRF. He is also encouraging other artisans to take up social security schemes. Narottam is dreaming to start hub for marble idols where consumers could get different types of idols at reasonable rate. He is confident that his dream will come true one day. “Getting loan for starting new enterprise was the turning point. Now my life has changed forever. Thanks to LHWRF for extending timely financial support.” says happy Narottam.

Parvati from Kheriya Purohit village of Deeg tahsil in Bharatpur district. Her family was solely dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. Besides household chores she was also helping her family in agriculture activities. However because of the vagaries of the nature, income from agriculture was insufficient for the family. It was difficult to make both ends meet. She was worried about her children’s education. Lupin Human Welfare and Research Foundation (LHWRF) introduced tulasi mala making in her village, which is close to pilgrim place through women self-help group. Parvati also joined this SHG and availed loan of Rs. 20000/- to start tulasi mala making business. LHWRF arranged the loan through Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK) for her. Apart from making tulsimaala, Parvati also set up small grocery shop. She looked after the shop whole day and make tulsi maala in spare time. With her sincerity and dedication she began to earn Rs. 5000/- per month. Her petty grocery shop also flourished. Consequently, LHWRF extended second loan of Rs. 25000/- through RMK to her. Hard working Parvati not only repaid both the loans on time but became important earning member in the family. Her earnings helped family to construct permanent house. Now her children are admitted into good school. Parvati has become icon for other women in the village who have also taken up work of tulasimala making.

Bhuridevi resides in Kheria Purohit, a village in Deeg tahsil of Bharatpur district. She is one of the women who makes tulasi mala with her skillful hands. It is a treat to watch her working. Today she is known as the expert in the village. Story of Bhuri Devi is very interesting. Born in a poor family, Bhuri Devi came to Kheria Purohitvillage after marriage. She knew nothing except household duties and agricultural labour work. Many women in the village used to prepare tulasi mala, Bhuri Devi just used to watch them. She knew no skills. Lupin Human Welfare and Research Foundation (LHWRF) organized ten day training workshop on tulasi mala production. Bhuri Devi decided to learn the skill. She completed the training course successfully. However due to lack of any financial support she was unable to start her own enterprise. LHWRF provided loan of Rs. 5000/- through Rashtriya MahilaKosh (RMK) to her. Bhuri Devi purchased tulasi mala making machine and commenced work. Whenever she got spared time, she makes tulsi mala. Hard working Bhuri Devi gained confidence, she excelled in her work and repaid loan as per the schedule. Now she earns Rs. 5000/- per month from tulasi mala making. Not only that, she also got respect from her husband and in-laws. Her children also started helping her in work. Earnings doubled in no time. “Our family has got economic stability because of tulasi mala making. Earlier I was worried about my children’s education but now they are getting good education. What else do you want in your life.” says satisfied Bhuri Devi.

Most part of his earnings was getting spent on food and other necessities. He was able to save very small part of his earnings and send remittance back home. Though he had agriculture land in his village Khairiya Purohit in Deeg tahsil of Bharatpur district, Rajasthan; he was unable to look after it. Frustrated Amar singh was cursing his fate. He wanted to start own business of gems cutting and polishing in his native village but getting capital was the main hurdle. When Amar singh visited Khairiya Purohit, he came to know about activities of the Lupin Human Welfare and Research Foundation (LHWRF). He approached field staff of the Foundation and narrated his story. Considering the skills of Amar singh, LHWRF arranged loan of Rs.25000/-. Amar singh purchased new machinery and established his own enterprise of gems polishing and cutting. He had good contacts in Jaipur. He started purchasing raw material from Jaipur and sell finished product to traders in Jaipur. Within a year, he was able to repay the loan. His business prospered, he trained and employed six youth from the village. He was also able to look after his farm too and harvest bountiful crops. Seeing Amar singh’s prosperity other youth in the village also got interested in this profession. LHWRF organized training workshop on ‘Gems Cutting and Polishing’. Amar singh acted as master trainer. 25 young boys from the village were trained. They started their own enterprises in the village itself. Thus Amar singh has paved the way for the unemployed youth and showed the path of prosperity. “My journey from mere worker in Jaipur to entrepreneur in native village is really amazing. Timelysupport of Lupin Foundation boosted my confidence and my hard work paid rich dividends. Now I am living with my family in newly constructed house. I will tell my young brothers (youth) that, be bold and grab the opportunity, do the hard work. Success will be at your feet.” says cheerful Amarsingh.

Story of Gangaram is truly inspirational for other shoe-makers in the district. Ganga ram was born and brought up in village Lalpur of Nadbai tehsil in Bharatpur. Hedropped out after fourth standard as his family could not afford to continue his education. As the family had very meager land he joined family business of shoe making. He learned skills from his father. However since he followed traditional ways, the profit margin was very less. Poor Ganga ram was unable to break the cycle of poverty. One day, he heard about the training workshop organized for shoe makers in the area by the Lupin Human Welfare and Research Foundation (LHWRF). Ganga ram participated in the workshop. He got in-depth training on new shoe /chhappal designs. He acquired skills immediately. He wanted to introduce new shoe designs intohis shop, but had no money to purchase raw material from the market. LHWRF arranged a loan of Rs. 10000/- from SIDBI. Ganga ram went to Agra and purchased raw material. He introduced new designs in his shop. Every day he produced two pairs of shoes. His earnings increased, he started getting profit of Rs. 500/- per day. New designs were appreciated by the customers. Mouth to mouth publicity made Ganga ram’s brand name and his shoes popular. Now people are coming from far off places looking for Ganga rams shop. Within the period of one year, Ganga ram repaid the loan. He has constructed new house and has purchased one bigha land from his savings. Ganga ram has found the way of prosperity and has come out of clutches of poverty thanks to the training inputs and loan provided by the Lupin Foundation.

Balbir has become well known for his shoe production. Customers visit Lalpur to purchase shoes specially from Balbir. Balbir comes from the cobbler family. Since family had only one bigha of land Balbir had no alternative than to continue the traditional family occupation. He learned skills from his father and was doing the traditional business of selling leather articles including shoes. His earnings were just sufficient enough to run his family. Balbir wanted to do something new so that he could break the jinx and come out of poverty. Lupin Human Welfare and Research Foundation (LHWRF) organized training camp for young shoe makers in the village. Balbir readily joined the training. It was the turning point for Balbir, who then never looked back. Balbir learnt new skills to produce shoes with fresh designs. LHWRF arranged loan of Rs. 5000/- to expand the business. After repayment of first loan, Balbir got another loan of Rs. 10000/- . By procuring raw material from Agra, Balbir created new shoe designs, which received recognition from the customers. Encouraged by the shoe sale, Balbir focused on leather shoe making only. Earlier Balbir was going village to village to sell leather products. But now people knock his doors to purchase good quality shoes. Balbir started earns Rs. 600/- per day. Balbir not only repaid the second loan but he also spent large amount on daughter’s wedding. Now Balbir’s other children are learning in private schools. “Old days are gone; I am earning enough for my family and also saving some money for future. Had it not been timely help by LHWRF, I would have been selling my products from village to village.” says happy Balbir.

After searching suitable job for 2 years, he got frustrated and started working on the familial farm. But Rajendra had no liking for agriculture. He wanted to do something new, different and challenging. One day he came into contact with Chandrasen who was preparing decorative marble items and selling it in Jaipur and Agra. Rajendra started visiting the Chandrasen’s workshop. He received training for two years and mastered the skill. Rajendra decided to start his own workshop. Lupin Human Welfare and Research Foundation (LHWRF) arranged loan of Rs. 25000/- through SIDBI. Rajendra purchased tools and equipments from the loan and started preparing decorative items like –Jewellary box, lantern, table lamp, Surai (Old fashioned liquor container), stands for holding mobiles, watches, water containers etc. In the first year he was working alone, but as the business expanded he employed three youth from the village. Marble items were prepared in different sizes, shapes and prices ranged from RS. 50/- to Rs. 50000/-. These items were sold in Jaipur and Agra markets. Rajendra repaid loan on time, now he is earning handsome money. His yearly turnover is more than 10 lakhs. With the help of this money, he has purchased showroom on Agra-Bikaner national highway. To increase the profit margin Rajendra is thinking to paint the decorative items in his workshop only instead of sending outside. Rajendra is planning to expand his business further.

His story is unbelievable. Mahesh belonged to the agrarian community and was engaged in traditional agriculture. Since the productivity of land was low, he was struggling to earn livelihood. He was looking for a business / profession which could earn him enough money to run his family. He consulted many villagers, but was not able to make up his mind and take decision. Five years ago, Lupin Human Welfare and Research Foundation (LHWRF) organized training on “Gems Cutting and Polishing” for unemployed youth. Mahesh wanted to take up the chance and try his luck. He joined 30 day training course with 20 other youth and completed it successfully. For starting new enterprise Lupin Foundation provided loan of Rs. 25,000/- with the financial assistance from SIDBI. Mahesh started small unit for gems cutting and polishing. Hard working Mahesh repaid the loan amount within the stipulated time frame. For expanding the business further, Mahesh approached financial institution with the help of LHWRF. He procured loan and purchased four more units and provided employment to 6 trained youth. Since Mahesh and his team are doing skillful and quality work, their gems fetches more price in Jaipur market. Their business is expanding rapidly. Mahesh is paying Rs. 10000/- per month to his employees and is earning Rs. 25000/- for himself. He has also given more inputs in agriculture to make it profitable. “I have found my path. Now I want expand my enterprise further so that village youth will get employment here in village itself. They will no more wander here and there like me.” says confident Mahesh.

Jasoda is leading the chain making enterprise along with the other women in Nagla Dhakad village of Rajasthan. Her story is really inspiring for young women entrepreneurs who want to start income generation activities in village. Jasoda from Agra got married to Bhura from village Nagla Dhakad in district Bharatpur, Rajasthan. After marriage she come to her in-laws house and started doing household chores as well as doing agriculture work. The family had only 5 bighas of land. The family was struggling to make both ends meet as agriculture income was insufficient. They were compelled to do labour work on others farms. Young Jasoda was not happy with the situation. She wanted to do something for her family. She had received training for chain making at her parental village. She wanted to use this skill for earning livelihood for the family. But she was clueless. One day Block Coordinator from Lupin Human Welfare and Research Foundation (LHWRF) visited the village. Jasoda gathered courage to discuss the matter with him and asked for help. Considering the Jasoda sincerity and strong urge for starting enterprise, LHWRF made available loan of Rs. 20000/- with the help of Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK). Jasoda purchased raw material from Agra and started her work. After completing the household duties whenever she got time she worked with sincerity. Her hard work paid rich dividends; she was able to produce chains in substantial number. Her husband Bhura helped in bringing raw material and selling finished product in the Agra market. Jasoda repaid the loan in stipulated installments. She started earning Rs. 10000/- per month. Inspired by the Jasodas work other women also got engaged in chain making enterprise and number soared to 25. While sharing her experience Jasoda said, “I just wanted to use the skills that I had learnt at my parents home and earn income for my family. I had never dreamt that it will go long way. Now women in our village are earning about 3 lakh rupees per month from this enterprise. LHWRF helped us in raising the finance. I am very happy that women have made so much progress.”

Chandrasen Uprati is the artist who has contributed to the village’s identity. Around 8 years ago Suresh chandra from the village started preparing marble artifacts. Because of some reasons he discontinued that. However, determined Chandrasen decided to take this profession further. He went to Kishan garh in Ajmer district and took rigorous training for a year. He returned back and started his own enterprise for preparing marble artifacts like – lamp sheds, gate lamps, lanterns, photo frames, Jewellary boxes, mobile stands, watch stands, flower pots, plates, Surai (old fashioned containers to serve liquor), wall hangings etc. These articles are sent to Jaipur for painting. Because of the quality work Chandrsen’s business observed rapid growth. To fulfill the ever growing demand Chandrasen trained other youth from the village who have also become successful entrepreneurs. In village Chak Bahenara more than hundred varieties of artifacts are produced and prices range from Rs 50/- to Rs. 5,00,0/- Today ChakBahenara has become major hub for the marble artifacts. Lupin Human Welfare and Research Foundation (LHWRF) has organized Self Help Groups of the artisans. Many artistes have been provided with loan for their enterprise. Plans are on to start showroom in the village and nearby Keoladeo National Park.

Rajesh Mohan Sharma is a happy man today. Sharing his experience Rajesh said, “Five years ago I passed HSC examination. I started looking for job, but it was very difficult to get the job with such qualification. Finally I had no alternative but to work on my farm and do the labour work. After all I was only person who had to win the bread for my family. One day I came to know that Lupin Human Welfare and Research Foundation (LHWRF) is organizing training camp for youth on “Gems Cutting and Polishing”. I decided to give a try. I participated in the training and completed it successfully. I decided to start my own unit, but I had no capital to invest. LHWRF helped me. They made me available loan of Rs. 25000/- with the help of SIDBI. I purchased machine for gems cutting and polishing. I had found my way. I worked day and night and repaid the loan. My business grew. To complete the orders on time, I purchased another unit and hired six youth from my village.” “Today I am paying Rs. 10000/- each to my employees and I am earning Rs. 20000/- for myself. I am also looking after my farm. I have purchased milch animals which are also fetching me good income. Old days are gone. My life has stabilized now. What else do you want?” asks Rajesh.

he started earning livelihood by working on farm. As the family had less land, he also worked as the daily wage labourer. But still his earnings were not enough to fulfill familial needs. Mukesh decided to change his profession. He decided to prepare ‘Mudda’ Mukesh participated in training organized by Lupin Human Welfare and Research Foundation (LHWRF). He completed one month long training successfully. Mukesh availed loan of Rs. 15000/- and began producing ‘Mudda’. Within short period Mukesh become famous for his ‘Mudda’ Mukesh has repaid the entire loan amount and is now living happy life. “I am earning enough for my family and am also saving for the future. LHWRF training has made me self reliant” says Mukesh proudly.