Sarita’s Fate, Forged in Struggle

Sarita Bai Nageshiya
Raipur : Sarita Bai Nageshiya used to walk barefoot on the narrow, unpaved village paths. No matter how scorching the sun, how heavy the rains, or how biting the cold, she had to go for daily labor. Her days were spent toiling in the fields, and her nights were filled with worry about the next day’s work.

“I had dreams, but no means to fulfill them,” Sarita often told herself. Life was a struggle just to put food on the table. Her children wanted to go to school, but there was no money for books or fees. Their house was made of mud walls, just as fragile as her hopes. One day, some women in the village told her about the Sitaram Women’s Self-Help Group. Sarita was skeptical—could this really change anything? But with nothing to lose, she decided to join. As she started attending meetings, she heard stories of women like her who had transformed their lives through government schemes and financial aid.

Gathering courage, Sarita took a loan from CIF and started a brick-making business. The beginning was tough—some villagers mocked her, some taunted her, and others dismissed it as “not a woman’s job.” But she paid no heed. From kneading clay to baking bricks, she did everything herself. Her hands became rough, but her confidence grew stronger.

Gradually, her business took off. When she secured a ₹1 lakh loan under the Prime Minister’s Mudra Scheme, her venture expanded further. Today, she earns over ₹2 lakh per year. The same people who once ridiculed her now admire her determination. Once, she couldn’t even afford a bicycle; now, she owns a scooter for herself and a motorcycle for her husband. She no longer works as a laborer in others’ fields—she farms her own land. Most importantly, her children now go to school, securing a brighter future.

Sarita Bai is no longer just a laborer; she is a successful entrepreneur. She proudly says, “I once worked in others’ fields, but now, I run my own business with my hard work. I recognized my worth and rewrote my destiny.”

The same village path where she once walked barefoot now sees her walking with pride and confidence. Because today, she is not just shaping her own family’s fate—she is an inspiration for women across the village.