Odisha is a state of art and culture, but now Odisha has come in a new form where there is a special place for women. As the world talks about women’s empowerment and development, Odisha is launching new schemes for women’s empowerment and development. So that the women of Odisha can become self-reliant. Today we want to know about such a woman, Chandra Kanti Jena of the Baleswar district of Odisha. She is the perfect example of the Odisha SHG and Missionshakti.In a cozy village called Srirampur, Balasore, there lived a remarkable lady named Chandrakanti Jena. She wasn’t your regular mom; she was a true hero who turned her life into a beautiful story, and I’m here to share it with you. She has become a symbol of self-reliance, proving that determination knows no bounds. Her incredible journey, evolving from managing a modest household to leading the Rameswar Producers’ Group, sets an example for women worldwide.
Unveiling the Story of Chandrakanti Jena:
Chandrakanti’s story begins in 1990 when she married Ajay Jena, the owner of a small garment shop in Srirampur village. Their lives were filled with love but limited resources, which became more challenging with the arrival of their two sons. Chandrakanti desired something better for her family during these early years. As time went by, Ajay’s small clothing store started facing more and more difficulties. Although it brought in some money, it became harder and harder to cover all the expenses. Chandrakanti, fueled by her love as a mother and her determination as a wife, longed for a solution to alleviate the financial strain and ensure a better future for her children. She wanted to find a way to improve their financial situation and create more opportunities for her family.
How the SHG Became Chandrakanti’s Guiding Light:
In the early years, Chandrakanti found herself in a challenging situation of trying to manage her husband’s limited income while also meeting the increasing needs of her growing family. However, she discovered a ray of hope and support in the form of a self-help group (SHG). This group consisted of other women who could relate to Chandrakanti’s sacrifices and struggles, and they offered her not just empathy but also practical assistance.
The Self-Help Group (SHG) was not just a place for financial transactions; it served as a refuge for emotions. When Chandrakanti felt overwhelmed by the burden of financial difficulties, the SHG offered more than just money. It provided a secure environment where she could openly express her concerns, receive support and motivation, and gain inspiration from the shared determination and perseverance of other women who truly understood the extent of her challenges.
Chandrakanti’s life took a significant turn in 2001 when she found herself facing financial difficulties. To overcome this, she teamed up with 20 other women from her community, and together they established the Sankarnath Self-Help Group (SHG). This initiative was driven by a strong emotional bond, with the shared goal of turning their challenges into opportunities and supporting one another to achieve personal growth.
How does she start?
Chandrakanti, who was facing financial difficulties, made a courageous decision to improve her situation. She borrowed Rs 1,500 from a self-help group (SHG) and used the money to invest in a cow. She then started selling the milk produced by the cow. This initiative not only increased her family’s income but also provided financial support for her son’s education up to the 10th grade. By taking this bold step, Chandrakanti was able to find a sustainable solution to her financial hardships and create better opportunities for her children’s education.
After that, in 2009, Chandrakanti discovered her passion for sewing. She was fascinated by applique work and received training in making “chanduas,” which are traditional canopies with detailed applique designs. The training was provided by the District Industries Centre (DIC).
How Missionshakti Odisha Helps Chandrakanti:
The phrase “Mission Shakti” refers to a program or initiative with the goal of empowering women. For the protagonist, Chandrakanti, this mission serves as a guiding principle in her life. It is not just a mere project, but rather a symbol of hope and inspiration for women like her who may feel constrained by their circumstances. The message conveyed by Mission Shakti is that women can aspire to achieve great things regardless of any obstacles they may face.
Mission Shakti gave Chandrakanti a platform to display her art. Participating in exhibitions organized by this mission was more than just selling products; it was an opportunity to share her dreams with the world. The emotional connection formed through these exhibitions went beyond transactions; it validated her talent and acknowledged her journey.
In 2009, Chandrakanti developed an interest in sewing. She was earning a good amount of money at the time. However, her interest soon shifted towards applique work. To further enhance her skills in making “chanduas” ( from odisha canopies with applique work), she underwent training in MCM (Master of Craftsmanship) through the DIC (District Industries Centre). Chandrakanti’s journey in the world of art and craftsmanship began with sewing, but her passion for applique work led her to explore new avenues.
Participating in Mission Shakti’s exhibitions not only gave Chandrakanti a platform to showcase her art but also allowed her to connect with a wider audience. It was an opportunity for her to share her dreams
What she said:
“I realized that if I could earn some money from this, other women like me could too. In 2020, we formed a Producers’ Group called Rameswar Producers with 35 women. I trained them in sewing and applique work, and now we are producing applique products and other items. We received a working capital finance of Rs 2.04 lakh from Mission Shakti, which allowed us to purchase eight sewing machines. Additionally, members have brought their own sewing machines, and now we have a total of 38 machines. Currently, we are producing goods worth Rs 3-4 lakh per month and selling them through exhibitions in Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Mission Shakti bazaars, and other venues,” she explained.
Each member of the Rameswar Producers’ Group is now earning Rs 3000-4000 per month, bringing smiles to their families.