Komal’s journey: from hesitation to confidence in the project samriddhi
Komal, a 28-year-old housewife from Bhotwala village, has transformed her life through the Project Samriddhi, being run by PNB Metlife and Roots Foundation. With her husband, Sukhjinder, working as a driver in Gurugram, she wanted to contribute financially but lacked opportunities. Through this project, she discovered her creativity, gained confidence, and found a path to financial independence.
Living in a household where only one member earned, Komal often felt the burden of financial instability. Most women in her neighborhood worked as laborers in the fields, but Komal aspired to do something more meaningful and creative. She had always been curious about learning new things but didn’t know where to start. Her journey with the Project Samriddhi began when she heard about it from a fellow member of the Radhe Radhe SHG group. The idea of making products from agricultural waste intrigued her, but she was initially skeptical. Could she really create something valuable from parali (paddy straw)? Would this skill help her earn money? These questions made her hesitant at first, but she decided to give it a try.
On her first day at the Dalamwala Training Center, Komal felt uncertain. She had never worked with materials like parali before and lacked confidence in her abilities. However, as days passed, her perspective changed completely. She attended training regularly, learning various crafting techniques like braiding and weaving parali into marketable products.
Despite the center being far from her village, Komal never missed a session. Her dedication was unmatched – even compared to the women from Dalamwala itself. She absorbed every lesson, carefully observing, practicing, and refining her skills. Over time, she became one of the most proficient trainees in the program. Not only did she master the products being taught, but she also started exploring new ideas on her own.
Using the internet, Komal researched different products that could be made from parali.
From a hesitant beginner, Komal evolved into a confident and skilled artisan. She no longer questioned whether this project could lead to financial stability-she believed in its potential. Her family, initially unsure about her involvement in the project, soon became her biggest supporters. Seeing the beautiful products she created, they encouraged her to continue. The once shy and doubtful Komal now spoke confidently about her work, sharing ideas and even assisting others in the training center.
More than just technical skills, Project Samriddhi helped Komal develop communication skills, market awareness, and a business mindset. She learned to understand what kind of products customers prefer and how to make them with the best quality possible.
