Update > Case Studies > Suchana

  

Saberin Khatoon, a resident of Salkia, Howrah district of West Bengal is the proud owner of a flourishing tailoring business today, manufacturing and supplying school uniforms. Her successful tailoring unit is powered by three machines and earns her a monthly income of 12,000, all thanks to Bandhan! Saberin, is one of the old members of Bandhan, currently with her third micro/Suchana loan of 15,000 under process. A confident woman, she is quite eloquent about her association with Bandhan and how it has changed her life. She says, "I have been into the business of readymade garments for many years. However, my business was not performing well, as it required investment and I did not have money for that. Bandhan’s loan program helped me secure that much needed capital which I invested in my business and I’m now reaping the benefits".

She further narrates that even a couple of years ago, her livelihood was extremely insecure. Her business was much smaller in size and did not generate the adequate returns to lead a comfortable life. Her husband toiled hard to supplement their family income by working at a manufacturing unit during the day and selling fruits in the evening. But that hardly sufficed and her greatest regret was that she could not even send her only child to school.

The days of misery has finally come to an end. Her increased income has significantly enhanced her socio-economic conditions. Her rented house has given way to her own home that she is very proud and happy about. Her standard of living has generally improved and she can now afford all the basic amenities that she could have only dreamt about. But the feather in the cap is the fact that she has admitted her son in an English medium school and nourishes great dreams for his future. Both she and her husband plan to expand their business. With glitter in her eyes, she says, "I promise to scale greater heights with Bandhan by my side."

Hard work pays off

If you ever stroll down the bustling marketplace of Ultadanga, an animated voice piercing the tranquility of the morning air is sure to enter your ears! That's Tumpa Makal—zesty and feisty—all set to knock out her competitors with her array of fishes displayed in the most tempting manner. As buyers throng around her stall and rummage through the pile of glistening fishes, she keeps on boasting the best quality.

"What gives her so much confidence!", you wonder. If you wait till 12 noon, an appointment with this frantically busy lady may come your way and she would just love to narrate her story. Tumpa recalls how wretched things were when the sole-earning member of her family was her husband. "I was just another nondescript woman with no income, no identity and no decision-making power. Sending my two daughters to school was a pipedream. It was my neighbor who nudged to become a member of Bandhan. Her prosperity motivated me tremendously and I took a Suchana loan of Rs 5,000 for starting a business of selling fishes. It was indeed a new beginning for me. And all my financial worries were put to rest right from the first day" says a radiant Tumpa. Thereafter Bandhan gave her loans of Rs 8,000, 12,000 and 15,000 in three susequent terms. With soaring profits she is also running a meat-shop. On completion of the last cycle, a loan of Rs 20,000 was advanced to her. This need-based credit supply has helped her to do prolific business. From days spent in oblivion, she is now at the centre of attention, each morning. As her day wears on and night descends, she doesn't have any respite. She has to arrange the following-day's tiffin for her two daughters who have started attending schools. Not that she complains, "This is just the beginning, there's more to come. Once I start taking the Srishti loans my business will take a whole new turn!". With her impressive record, Bandhan would be more than happy to assist her—not just for now, but in the long run too..

Little steps for a major change

Rubi Chand is one of the self-starters whose association with Bandhan has scripted an appreciable story to share with the world. Lack of money, food, security - she had a lot of issues in her life to deal with, however, not strong enough to defeat her urge to live a contented and healthful life. Her husband working as a driver in the municipality was the sole bread-winner at that time. Her two sons were too small to assist her with any work. But despite such constraints, she was valiant enough to take the chances to pursue her dreams for a better future of her family. Finally her association with Bandhan helped her bid adieu to her sufferings.

'I had heard a lot about Bandhan from my neighbors before I decided to meet the officers of Ultadanga Branch. I had no clue about of what I was doing, it was just an idea. All I knew was something would come out of it surely, however, I didn't know how! The humble officers of Bandhan patiently listened to my story and guided me towards the right track.' recalls Rubi.

Her story of success travels six years back when she decided to open a shop of fried food in her locality. With great determination she started her journey by taking a Suchana (micro) loan of Rs. 5,000/- and invested in her shop. Upon successful completion of her first loan, Rubi soon applied for her second loan and there after she kept taking subsequent loans from Bandhan which helped in the enhancment of her business. She has recently applied for the loan again and this time the amount is quite big—Rs. 22,000. Her life has taken a different direction all together following her association with Bandhan. It is amazing that she not only took up the challenge but accomplished incredibly.

Today, Rubi Chand is a confident multi-tasker. She is not only a responsible mother and wife but also a renowned business woman in her locality. Her profits are soaring high; she recently earnd Rs. 7,000 in a month, putting up a record! 'Since, I wanted independence from all my mundane troubles, I had to take a firm step. It was essential.' Rubi expresses boldly.

"I used to have sleepless nights worrying about the education of my children. My husband earned an amount too meager to bear all the expenses of four people. But thankfully our situation has changed today. My first target was to ensure good health and proper education for my children. At least I sleep peacefully now as both my sons are admitted to school”, Rubi manifests a happy picture with a jovial smile on her face.

The power of determination

Piyarun Begum’s amiable nature and endearing smile is sure to charm you if you get an opportunity to meet with her. The fact that she is a truly ingenious artisan with a temperament of a discerning entrepreneur is completely camouflaged.

Living in one of the interior pockets of Bagnan in Howrah district of West Bengal, Piyarun at the age of 36 years is one of the best in the trade of zari work/embroidery. For generations her family has been a practitioner of magnificent zari work, but owing to financial instability and an early marriage she has been through appalling times. Having three daughters further exacerbated her already worse situation. Though her husband was earning, but the amount was too little to feed so many mouths. Piyarun desperately wanted to utilize her talent to save her family from perishing; however availability of funds acted as a major impediment to her desire.

It was then that Piyarun learnt about Bandhan and approached for a Suchana loan of Rs 7,000. Recognizing her potential the loan was approved and she took her first step towards self-sufficiency. Piyarun utilized the loans to buy frameworks and raw materials for her zari work. “Bandhan, came to my aid. It acted as my savior!” exclaimed Piyarun with barely controlled emotions. “It has been 8 years now that I have been taking loans from Bandhan,” she continued with pride and joy in her eyes.

With a gradual increase in her subsequent loan amounts over all these years, Piyarun’s present loan has been for a sum of Rs. 24,000. She has achieved new heights in her business venture and her life. There has never been any dearth of work; in fact prior to any festival, she gets a lot of zari work which provides a good boost to her income. With the consistent flow of income, she has managed to get her eldest daughter married and has ensured schooling for the other two. “My role as a decision-maker in the family has amplified. Often my husband counts on me for crucial matters. It is Bandhan who has given me this prestige in the family,” commented Piyarun with a satisfied grin.

With a lot of hard work and rock-solid determination, Piyarun Begum has paved the way towards self-sufficiency and success. She has carved out her own place in society as an efficacious and adroit entrepreneur. Presently, she is aspiring to acquire a Srishti loan of Rs. 30,000. “Bandhan has given me the courage to move forward in life and I promise that there will be no looking back,” concluded Piyarun with extreme confidence.