Tamil Nadu - Madurai   

Determination takes them to dizzy heights

S.S. Kavitha

Madurai-based group wins shield for the best SHG

HONOUR: The Collector, D. Raajendiran, handing over a cheque for Rs.5,000 to members of the Jhansi Rani Self-Help Group.

MADURAI: "Whatever you call it, I believe that the success of my group strongly lies on two factors — determination to win and thirst to do something to the society. I share the idea on the behalf of my Jhansi Rani Self-Help Group," said A. Muthammal, a member, who received the award from the Chief Minister at a SHG meet held in Chennai recently.

Holding the shield for best SHG for 2004-05, A. Vasantha, animator, quipped proudly that women were always ready to shoulder responsibility of their husband's economical problems and strive for the betterment of the society and `we had proved it.'

The members of the group received a cheque for a sum of Rs.5000 from the Collector, D. Raajendiran, who congratulated them for their hard work.

The 58-year-old Muthammal, still lively with youthful activities, began her mission three years back with 20 members. But soon, the group shrunk its membership into 17 and then on they struggled to scale greater heights.

With Rs.105 as monthly savings, they opted for `revolving fund for Rs.25,000 of which Rs.15,000 was shared among five members and the remaining Rs.10,000 was utilised to establish a grocery shop in the area.

Later, they got a sum of Rs.1.5 lakhs, which was distributed among the groups for various business activities such as a tailoring shop.They shared their work equally among themselves a few involved themselves in tailoring, fixing buttons and ancillary activities while the rest concentrated on marketing.

Apart from tailoring and grocery shops, they also involved themselves in making of powders such as - aadai flour, masal powder, idli powder, and herbal hair oil, which was received well among the public.

Now the group boasts of above Rs.2.5 lakhs as savings with a monthly income of Rs.4,000 per head.

Sulochana, another member, said, "now, we do not while away out time by watching serials as we used to do earlier. We attend gram sabha and grievance day meetings regularly and successfully to air the grievances and got them done for the benefit of Sasi Nagar.

The women members were highly proactive and manage to meet at least once weekly, despite a hectic routine.

The meetings, which served as a forum for them to discuss personal as well as practical problems, had greatly boosted their morale.

"Earlier, I used to be quite timid and submissive. Now, I am able to stand up for my own rights, at home or outside," asserted R. Rani, a member of the group.

"These women have been trained in all aspects of business, from maintaining accounts to how to approach bank officers for loans," said Ethel Bert, a project co-ordinator with the Madurai Multi-purpose Social Service Society, which is responsible for training these SHGs.

"With adequate financial support and necessary skills, the SHGs are all confident of their entrepreneurship ventures. These women have tasted the fruits of social and economic empowerment. No factor can stop them on their road to progress and betterment," said

S.M. Prabhakaran, Joint-Director and project officer, Mahalir Thittam, while lauding the SHG members for their successful achievement.

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