Above the shelves containing bottles of pickles in the small outlet of Ilamoni Bora are displayed the many awards that she has received. The shields and plaques are in recognition of the entrepreneurial spirit of Bora, a micro-entrepreneur of Morigaon district in Assam.
Bora’s journey is a testament to the countless women in India who struggle to fulfil their dreams due to societal norms and restrictive gender roles. Through perseverance and determination, she now earns well, provides employment to local women and contributes to the environment with solar-powered machinery.
A small entrepreneurial step
After her marriage, like many others, Bora found herself confined to household duties, unable to pursue her ambitions despite being educated.
Undeterred by the challenges, her desire for independence and self-reliance remained strong. She became an active member of a self-help group (SHG) and attended various workshops under the Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission (ASRLM), which ignited her entrepreneurial spirit.
In 2014, Bora took the step of starting her own enterprise. She started preparing pickles using locally available vegetables and fruits, with an initial investment of Rs 700. Lack of encouragement from her husband and society’s disapproval did not deter her. She named her venture RUCHI+.
Persistence pays
Initially, Bora faced difficulties in finding buyers. There were other obstacles too, such as limited network access, market opportunities and cultural constraints, all of which tested her resolve.
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Nevertheless, she persisted. After nine years of persistence, she emerged as a successful entrepreneur, earning Rs 9 lakh per annum. She also registered RUCHI+ on an e-commerce platform, making her products available in different parts of the country.
Through her venture, she not only transformed her life but also that of her community. Bora now employs five women from her neighbourhood. During peak seasons, she employs more than 20 women. She also trains neighbouring women in pickle making, storage and packing, encouraging them to lead independent lives.
Towards sustainability and empowerment
Beyond her personal achievements, Bora’s commitment to sustainable practices led her to approach the SELCO Foundation, a non-profit organisation creating sustainable solutions, in 2020. The organisation helped her equip her manufacturing unit with solar-powered machinery.
Bora now plans to expand her enterprise by manufacturing spice powders, baby food and other food items.
Also Read | Assamese women thrive on value-added garden produce
The lead image shows Illamoni Bora with bottles of pickles for sale (Photo courtesy SELCO Foundation)
Dibya Jyoti works for SELCO Foundation.
