Seven Sisters Development Assistance
Echoes from the grassroot
A SMILE AFTER DAWN-
Journey of Gita Baruah
– Aparajita Saharia
A remarkable story of transformation unfolds in Paschim Mangaldai Block, Darrang, exemplified by the journey of Gita Baruah, a progressive female farmer whose determination and resilience have inspired her community and family. Gita Baruah resides with her husband and two children—a 12-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son. Her son, who was born underweight, faced significant health challenges from the beginning. Although the local Anganwadi Centre advised her to incorporate nutritious food into their diet, Gita’s limited knowledge and financial constraints hindered her ability to do so. Her transformative journey began when she connected with SeSTA.
In 2017, Gita was introduced to a Self-Help Group (SHG) called Milijuli and the Village Organization (VO) Pushpanjali through SeSTA’s initiatives. Motivated by her desire for knowledge, she participated in various training programs on livelihood aspects such as Nutrition Garden, Backyard Poultry (BYP), Goat Rearing, System of Rice Intensification (SRI), and System of Crop Intensification (SCI) for vegetables. These trainings significantly shaped her skills and knowledge, leading to notable improvements in her family’s livelihood
Gita’s first significant achievement was establishing a nutrition garden on her homestead land. This garden became a vital source of nutritious food for her family, significantly improving their diet and health. Her dedication to her son’s health was rewarded when he received the Healthy Child Award from the District ICDS Department in September 2023. Inspired by the initial success of her nutrition garden, Gita obtained a loan from the Agri-Business Centre (ABC) in 2018 to start a BYP unit. This venture proved profitable, tripling her initial loan amount with the first batch. Encouraged by this success, Gita reinvested the profits to expand her BYP unit and initiate a goat-rearing enterprise. Currently, she manages both ventures successfully, with a significant number of goats and chicks, generating substantial income for her family. Her goat-rearing unit alone has provided a sustainable income.
Recognizing the importance of financial literacy, Gita participated in Financial Literacy training conducted by SeSTA through her SHG. This training equipped her with knowledge about savings and investment, enabling her to manage her finances more effectively. Consequently, she began saving diligently, and within a year, she was able to provide financial support for her husband. With her savings, they purchased a sugarcane machine, diversifying her husband’s livelihood beyond farming and daily wage labor.
Gita’s journey extended beyond livestock and financial literacy. With the training she received from SeSTA, she expanded her agricultural activities. Previously, the family only cultivated paddy on their 3 bighas of land. However, she introduced multiple crops such as mustard, maize, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables, enhancing the productivity and profitability of their farm. This diversification not only improved their income but also ensured food security for the family throughout the year.
Gita Baruah’s efforts and achievements have not only transformed her own life but have also created a ripple effect in her community. Her story has inspired other members of her SHG and VO to adopt similar livelihood activities. Gita actively shares her knowledge and experience, assisting other community members in embracing new farming techniques and diversifying their income sources. Her leadership and dedication have made her a role model and a beacon of hope for many.
Balancing her roles as a farmer, mother, and community leader required immense dedication and perseverance. Gita faced financial hardships, health issues, and the pressure of managing multiple responsibilities. However, her unwavering determination and the support of SeSTA and her SHG enabled her to overcome these obstacles. Gita’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and a strong will; even the most daunting challenges can be surpassed.
Looking ahead, Gita Baruah envisions a brighter future for her family and community. She aims to further expand her agricultural activities and explore new livelihood opportunities. Her aspiration is to ensure that every child in her community has access to nutritious food and a healthy upbringing. Gita also plans to continue her efforts in financial literacy, empowering more women to take control of their finances and make informed decisions.
The narrative of Gita Baruah is a compelling account of resilience, empowerment, and community transformation. From struggling to provide nutritious food for her underweight son to becoming a successful farmer and community leader, Gita’s journey is an inspiring example of the power of knowledge, hard work, and community support. Her achievements highlight the significant impact that initiatives can have on people and communities, promoting sustainable development and improving livelihoods.
Gita’s smile at the dawn of her journey symbolizes not only a personal achievement but also a source of inspiration for countless others. Her story encourages many to believe in the power of change and the potential within each individual to make a difference. As Gita continues to inspire and uplift her community, her legacy will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for all.