Kendrapara: Rising from financial hardships, Mamata Nath Sharma from Taradipal village has become a symbol of rural empowerment. Her remarkable journey was recently recognized at the National Lakhpati Didi Conference held at the state Lok Seva Bhawan.

Mamata's story embodies the resilience and transformative potential that is central to India's rural development initiatives. The Lakhpati Didi Yojana, introduced by the Central government on December 23, 2023, aims to empower rural women to achieve an annual income of at least ₹1 lakh through self-employment facilitated by Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

In Odisha, this initiative is executed under the Odisha Livelihood Mission and Mission Shakti, promoting self-sufficiency and leadership among women at the grassroots level. Kendrapara district has excelled, achieving 97% of its target and ranking second in the state for the highest number of ‘Lakhpati Didis’, just behind Nayagarh.

Mamata's entrepreneurial journey began in 2011 when she joined her village SHG. Facing poverty, she secured a loan of ₹30,000 to purchase a wheat grinding machine. With unwavering determination, she served villagers from seven nearby areas, gradually earning profits and repaying her debts.

Her commitment to growth led her to take further loans from SHGs, banks, and federations, always ensuring timely repayments, which she utilized to expand her business. Today, Mamata operates a successful variety store and a multi-unit processing center equipped with machines for rice milling, spice grinding, oil extraction, and ginger-garlic paste production.

Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, Mamata is a dedicated farmer, cultivating paddy, pulses such as green and black gram, and various vegetables including ridge gourd, cucumber, and pumpkin. Her unique ability to integrate agriculture with business exemplifies sustainable rural livelihoods.

As a senior member of a 12-woman SHG, Mamata leads by example. During winter, the group produces and markets items like papad, sattu, and packaged spices. Additionally, she mentors fellow women, guiding them in establishing their own income-generating businesses.

Chosen as one of three representatives from Kendrapara to attend the National Conference, Mamata has brought honor to her community and inspired numerous women throughout rural Odisha. Her evolution from a borrower to a job creator is a testament to the Lakhpati Didi vision.