A Rang De loan helped her buy a sewing machine with which she started her own tailoring unit at home. It has been four months since she began taking orders. Presently, she earns only Rs.1000 per month as the business is in its nascent stage.

We were delighted to hear that Pooja also conducts coaching classes for children living in the housing society. She teaches Hindi and English to students from kindergarten through class 8 and does not charge any fixed amount as fees. In return, the children pay only as much as their families can afford. Her income from tutoring amounts to Rs.2500 thus providing her with the means to save. She deposits Rs.2000-Rs.3000 as savings every month in her bank account as she strongly believes in conscientious saving.

She seemed familiar with banking terms but was rather wary about getting a life insurance policy having been duped out of Rs.7000 by an insurance firm that eventually shut down without returning her investment. Fortunately, she trusts the bank and her SHG with the money that she deposits on a monthly basis.

When we asked Pooja about her future plans, she told us that she wanted to start training other women in tailoring so that they too can earn a living. If all goes well, she also plans to look at the scope of undertaking bulk orders from garment shops in Akbarpur.

Pooja’s focused and steady approach is certain to take her a long way. We hope that her plans meet with success and that she continues to explore new opportunities that fully utilise her potential.

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