From organic chilli pickle to tailoring, how this woman built a livelihood in Hathras

Madhavi Chaudhary used self-help group funding to turn tailoring, beauty services and pickle-making into livelihoods. Her journey strengthened family finances, supported her children's education and earned her Lakhpati Didi recognition.In Rudayan village in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras district, Madhavi Chaudhary has turned her skills in tailoring and beauty services into a source of income.A member of the Parvati self-help group in Rudayan village, Madhavi started with a Rs 15,000 revolving fund and used her tailoring and beauty skills to earn an income. She later helped build an organic chilli pickle business with other women in the group.In Rudayan village in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras district, Madhavi Chaudhary has turned her skills in tailoring and beauty services into a source of income. Through the Parvati self-help group, she also helped start an organic chilli pickle business, creating another avenue for women in the village to earn.Her journey began in 2016, when the Parvati self-help group was formed through an NGO. The women started by saving Rs 100 every month. The group later received a revolving fund of Rs 15,000. With the group's consent, Madhavi used the amount to turn her tailoring and beauty skills into a livelihood.Around two years later, the group received financial assistance of Rs 1.10 lakh. The women then joined hands to start making organic chilli pickles. Some members also bought buffaloes and began earning through milk and dairy-related activities. These ventures helped the women increase their income and strengthen their families' financial position. For Madhavi, the additional income also meant being able to focus on her children's education.HER CHILDREN'S EDUCATION IS A PRIORITYMadhavi has three children, all of whom are pursuing their education. Her elder son is studying in intermediate, while her second son attends Kendriya Vidyalaya. Her youngest son is in Class 9 at KL Jain School. She says the income from her work has helped her pay attention to their education and meet the family's needs.RECOGNISED AS A LAKHAPATI DIDIMadhavi's work in the pickle business and her contribution to the group's activities earned her recognition as a Lakhpati Didi. She has also received several certificates of appreciation.In 2022, she was given the responsibility of district women's head in the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh. She has also been honoured at various platforms associated with the organisation.THE NEXT TARGET IS TO BECOME CROREPATI DIDISMadhavi and the other women in the self-help group have now set their sights on becoming Crorepati Didis.Their journey began with a monthly saving of Rs 100 and grew through collective effort, financial support and the use of skills the women already possessed. From tailoring and beauty services to organic chilli pickle-making and dairy activities, the group has built multiple sources of income.Madhavi's story shows how a self-help group can help women turn existing skills and small savings into livelihood opportunities, while also creating a support system for others seeking financial independence.- Ends