Covid was indeed a life-altering experience for the most of us. Some lives changed for better and some otherwise. Mamta Verma’s journey can’t just be categorized into either of the extremes. Reality, at times, is certainly stranger than fiction and Mamta’s trajectory of life is proof to that.

Mamta used to lead a fairly comfortable life as a home maker and mother of two young daughters while her husband. Everything was bed of roses for her until destiny had other plans. Fractures are uninvited guests as they say, such was the wound that Mamta met with. During the fatal second wave of the covid pandemic, Ravikant her husband tested positive and with each passing day post him getting struck by the deadly variant, his situation only worsened. He was put on ventilator and the doctors gave it their all to save his life, but in vain. They lost him.

This is exactly when things turned topsy-turvy for Mamta, as Ravi was survived with two daughters along with her before departing. A loss that was really shocking and unexpected. 2nd May, 2021, a date that clearly changed everything for Mamta.

It took some time for this inevitable reality to seep in and there was nothing in this world which could compensate the loss that Mamta and her family incurred.

“Sometimes, life compels you to leave the past behind and move ahead. Life without Ravi is unimaginable, it’s a void that can never be filled. But it’s life, some day or the other, you’ll have to come to terms with whatever has happened and let just bygones be bygones. There’s no doubt that He will be missed,” stated Mamta, with tears in her eyes and grief in her heart.

Mamta knew that this period of melancholy couldn’t prolong as she had her loved ones to take care of. Initiating something was now a matter of priority.

“I wasn’t well educated, didn’t hone any of my skills for years and was happily leading my life as a housewife. Ravi’s passing away didn’t just leave me numb but also baffled about the contingencies. I didn’t know what to do, how to go about things and how to plan the future of both my daughters,” She continued.

Little did Mamta know that the ray of hope wasn’t lying elsewhere but within her. She’d have never anticipated that her once attained culinary certificate would come to her rescue and act as a saviour. 

“I had learnt cooking years ago and also received a certificate but that was a matter of the past.” said Mamta, reassuring the world that matters of the past only push an individual to do better.

“I couldn’t understand its value until M3M Foundation identified it for me and came up with a proposal that they’d fund for my fast-food centre and provide me with everything that is necessary in setting up the same.” She further added.

Though initially hesitant, she gathered the courage to take the leap. “With someone as credible and authentic an organisation as M3M Foundation having my back and handholding me to climb the ladder of enterprise, I thought it was only fair on my part to accept this beautiful opportunity that they offered to me on a platter.” Said Mamta.

This is when Mamta, along with a group of close friends and with the constant support of M3M Foundation, built her own, cosy fast-food centre at Sainik market, Faridabad.

The shop, if viewed from the external lens might be a small affair, but for Mamta, it gave her a second chance, a valuable chance to get her life back on track, to help her daughters in everything possible and to live with dignity. She named her fast-food joint ‘Sai Di Kitchen.’

From a woman who didn’t understand how the world outside functions to a woman who now can be comfortably called an entrepreneur; From a woman who couldn’t commute all by herself or by a cab to a woman who now rides her scooty; From a woman who was comfortable being a homemaker to a woman who now turned into a bread winner for her family; Mamta has come a long way.

Kudos to Mamta and hats off to such women whose lives are nothing short of a hero’s journey. Kudos to the internal battles that they must have fought and more importantly, kudos to the courage that they showed in order to become something, especially when they thought they couldn’t do anything. Kudos to their optimism and kudos to their perseverance. Their existence in this world undoubtedly instils loads of hope and positivity.

Mamta’s life isn’t just a story that one merely should read through, it is an example that one should live by. A journey that one should seek inspiration from.

From a woman who didn’t understand how the world outside functions to a woman who now can be comfortably called an entrepreneur; From a woman who couldn’t commute all by herself or by a cab to a woman who now rides her scooty; From a woman who was comfortable being a homemaker to a woman who now turned into a bread winner for her family; Ms Mamta Verma, W/O late shri Ravi Kant Verma has come a long way and we are happy to share with you that M3M foundation under its programme Kaushal Sambal has supported Ms Mamta to not only establish her dream “Sai Di Kitchen” but also helped her to identify the entrepreneur with in herself and set the role model.

Today Dr. Payal Kanodia, herself inaugurated this first enterprise at Faridabad and we are happy to be part of this new journey of Ms Mamta Verma.

Dorjey Spalzes, a resilient young mother from Lakjung village, located alongside the Siachen river belt in the cold desert of Nubra Valley, Leh, is a testament to determination and perseverance. Lakjung, like many villages in the region, offers limited employment opportunities. Most of the male population works as cab drivers during the 6-7 month tourist season, while a few families run homestays for travelers. However, the harsh winters from November to April bring a halt to these income sources, making it challenging for families to save for the future.

Dorjey, a housewife and mother of five, contributed significantly to her family by managing household chores and seasonal farming. In addition, she assisted in harvesting sea buckthorn berries for local processing agents during the short harvesting season. Despite her efforts, the financial strain during the off-season was immense. With a strong desire to improve her family’s financial situation and ensure a better future, Dorjey decided to explore ways to become self-reliant.

The Turning Point

The turning point in Dorjey’s life came when she learned about Aide-et-Action (AEA), an NGO implementing an entrepreneurship development project in her region based on sea buckthorn processing. Funded by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and M3M Foundation, the project aimed to empower individuals through education and skill development. Encouraged by a friend, Dorjey visited the center to gain a better understanding of the initiative. She saw this as a life-changing opportunity to become an entrepreneur and support her family.

The Journey with Aide-et-Action

Dorjey, along with four other villagers, joined the three-month entrepreneurship training program. Her prior experience in harvesting sea buckthorn berries gave her a strong foundation. The training program focused on value addition to sea buckthorn, transforming the berries into a range of health products such as juice, jam, jelly, cookies, and other nutritious items.

Beyond processing skills, Dorjey received comprehensive training in the following areas:

• Business Development: She learned enterprise development and marketing strategies, enabling her to identify target customers, promote her products effectively, and expand her reach.
• Basic Computer Skills: These skills helped Dorjey streamline business operations, maintain records, and communicate effectively, ensuring the smooth running of her enterprise.
• Soft Skills: Training in communication, teamwork, and customer service boosted her confidence and prepared her to engage with clients and stakeholders.
• Financial Management: Dorjey was introduced to the basics of managing finances, including savings and joint bank accounts, a critical step toward sustainable business practices.

Throughout the program, Dorjey displayed exceptional dedication and enthusiasm. By the end of the training, she and her group had already produced and sold sea buckthorn products locally, earning modest profits.

Future Aspirations

Dorjey is now a member of the Riyul Sea Buckthorn Cooperative Society, a registered entity formed under the project. With the support of the cooperative, Dorjey and her peers are preparing to launch their products nationally under a unified brand. Her goal is not only to improve her family’s financial stability but also to contribute to the economic growth of her community by creating employment opportunities.

Impact and Reflections

Dorjey Spalzes’s journey highlights the transformative power of education and support. From a farmer struggling to make ends meet, she has become a budding entrepreneur with a clear vision. Her determination, combined with the guidance of Aide-et-Action, demonstrates how empowering individuals through skill development can lead to lasting change.

Conclusion

Dorjey Spalzes’s transformation from a farmer to an entrepreneur is more than just a personal success story; it represents a ripple effect of empowerment that extends to her family, her village, and the broader community. Her journey reflects the untapped potential that lies within rural regions like Lakjung and highlights the importance of creating opportunities where individuals can thrive despite environmental and economic constraints.

Through her dedication and willingness to adapt, Dorjey has shown that traditional knowledge, when paired with modern skills, can lead to remarkable results. Her success in sea buckthorn processing and enterprise development has not only elevated her family's financial stability but also inspired other women in the community to explore new possibilities.