Moving to Indore city felt like a sudden jolt—a transition from the quiet and raw beauty of Umaria’s rural life to the bustling rhythm of an urban setting. Initially, it wasn’t easy. The stark differences in environment, lifestyle and people left me feeling homesick. I was overwhelmed with a void, scared of living alone, and unsure of how to navigate this unfamiliar territory. For the first few days, fear consumed me. “How will I survive here?” I often wondered. But as it turned out, my fear was misplaced—mere fragments of my own imagination.
The transformation began when I started visiting the field areas where my host organization Chaitanya WISE works, and meeting the women in the Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Their warmth and kindness gradually turned this unfamiliar city into a place I could call home. In the beginning, our interactions were limited to polite exchanges, but as time passed, these women shared their stories with me, their lives slowly unfolding. Sitting with them, sipping chai, and listening to their narratives gave me a sense of comfort. It reminded me of home in the most unexpected way.
Stories Of Struggle And Strength
The more time I spent with the women, the deeper I understood the challenges they face. Some of their stories were heart-wrenching. They spoke of being hit by their husbands for trivial reasons, like not keeping their veils in place. Or being scolded by the elders in their families for not keeping up with a family norm. These women, however, were not just victims of their circumstances. They carried dreams larger than life, dreams that often surprised me.
Unlike the women I worked with in Umaria, who seemed more resigned to societal norms, the women in Indore’s outskirts were brimming with ambition. They wanted to start businesses, earn their own money, and carve out independent identities. Their resilience and drive were inspiring, but their journeys were anything but easy. Not all of them fought against injustice; some were still finding their voice. One particular story from Kampel stands out—a story that challenged my preconceived notions and left an indelible mark on me.
Dreams Of Real Estate
During my first visit to Kampel, I encouraged the SHG members to think about how they could utilize their savings collectively. They shared how some of them had tried starting small businesses, but none had succeeded. I left that day feeling both intrigued and concerned about their ability to realize their ambitions. A few weeks later, during a follow-up visit, the women seemed unusually animated, whispering among themselves before gathering the courage to speak up.
Finally, one of them mustered the nerve to make a request—a loan of five lakh rupees. Five lakh rupees! The sheer amount left us stunned. “Itna paisa? Kya karoge?” we asked, unable to hide our surprise. They wanted to purchase land, wait for its value to increase, and then sell it at a profit. The profits would then be reinvested into buying more land, effectively starting a business in real estate. Their ambition stunned me. Here were women, who we had assumed would only think about small-scale ventures, dreaming big—dreaming beyond what even we thought possible. Their determination to take control of their financial futures was humbling and inspiring. It forced me to confront my biases and rethink how I perceived rural women and their capabilities.
Our director, who accompanied us on this visit, was equally surprised but appreciated their vision. Instead of dismissing their request outright, she engaged them in a conversation about their plans, helping them refine their ideas.
That moment was a turning point for me. It was a powerful reminder that potential exists everywhere, often hidden behind the stereotypes we impose on people.
Celebrating Life Together
Another memorable moment came the day before my birthday, during a visit to Kampel. Somehow, the women found out about my birthday, and their response was heartwarming. They didn’t have a cake, as they said they preferred sweets, so they brought mithai to celebrate. Their simple yet heartfelt gesture moved me to tears. In that moment, I realized just how deeply I had connected with them. They weren’t just women I worked with—they had become a part of my life, a source of joy and support. Days like these make me look forward to each new day, eager to hear more stories, witness more dreams, and be inspired by their resilience and creativity.Â
A Shift In Perspective
My experiences in Kampel and other fields have reshaped how I view the world, especially the women of SHGs. These women are not only housewives or mothers; they are dreamers, entrepreneurs, and warriors. Their ambitions and struggles have taught me invaluable lessons about courage, perseverance, and hope. The warmth and hospitality they extended to me during a time when I felt lost and homesick helped me find my footing in Indore.
Their stories have challenged my assumptions and given me a new lens through which to view people and their potential. As I reflect on my time here, I realize how much I have grown. The shift from rural to urban life was daunting, but it brought me closer to these incredible women who have become my inspiration.
They remind me that every day is a new beginning, filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and make a difference. In their company, I have found not just a sense of belonging but also a renewed sense of purpose. Their dreams fuel my own, and their strength keeps me grounded.
Indore, once a city that felt alien, has now become a place I cherish—thanks to the women who welcomed me into their lives and showed me the beauty of dreaming big. I am endlessly grateful to these women, their stories, and the lessons they continue to teach me. They make me believe in the power of community, resilience, and the human spirit.
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