In a small village in Assam, Dhanada Kalita’s journey from poverty to empowerment showcases the transformative power of sustainable rural entrepreneurship and dignified employment.
Dhanada’s world crumbled when her husband passed away 17 years ago, leaving her emotionally devastated and financially vulnerable. With all savings depleted on her husband’s medical treatments, Dhanada found herself at the brink of poverty, struggling to make ends meet. The lack of a support system in her village compounded her difficulties, leaving her to face life’s challenges alone. With no formal education or marketable skills, Dhanada’s prospects for employment seemed bleak in the rural setting.
Tamul’s decision to expand its factory operations in the same region, brought new opportunities for local employment. The company’s commitment to employing local villagers, regardless of their educational background, opened doors for many, including Dhanada. The installation of new arecanut sheath dryers not only improved production efficiency but also created specialized roles for local workers. Tamul’s approach to hands-on training allowed even those without formal education to learn valuable skills and contribute meaningfully to the production process.
Dhanada was hired as a dryer operator, despite having no prior experience or formal education. She received hands-on training from experienced workers, learning the intricacies of operating the arecanut sheath dryers. Later she also learned about the sheath washing process and added on to her existing knowledge. Through daily practice and unwavering determination, Dhanada gradually improved her skills and efficiency. Over time, Dhanada mastered her job, becoming one of the most reliable operators in the factory.
Dhanada’s permanent employment at Tamul has provided her with a steady income, allowing her to save money and plan for the future. This financial stability has been crucial in improving her quality of life and providing a sense of security. With her savings, Dhanada was able to arrange her daughter’s marriage, a significant milestone in her life. She has also built her own house, achieving the dream of homeownership and independence, which is particularly empowering for a rural woman. The medical support provided by the company ensures that Dhanada can access healthcare when needed, reducing the financial burden of medical expenses. This support contributes to her overall well-being and peace of mind.
Dhanada’s role at Tamul has given her a sense of dignity and self-worth, proving that age and education are not barriers to meaningful contribution. The trust placed in her, by Tamul, to handle crucial tasks like washing sheaths has instilled a strong sense of responsibility and pride in her work. The pride and satisfaction Dhanada derives from her work underscores the importance of recognizing and valuing all forms of labor, especially in manufacturing and agriculture sectors.
Dhanada Kalita’s journey from poverty to empowerment in a small village in Assam highlights the transformative power of dignified jobs. After losing her husband and depleting her savings for his medical treatments, Dhanada faced immense financial hardship. However, Dhanada was offered a job as a dryer operator, despite lacking formal education. With hands-on training and determination, she mastered her role and became a reliable worker. Dhanada’s steady income enabled her to save, arrange her daughter’s marriage, build her own house, and achieve financial independence, demonstrating the power of opportunity and resilience.
