It’s never too late to start something meaningful
At 48, Dharmshila Kumari from Tetar village in Gaya, Bihar, decided she wanted to be known not just as someone’s wife or mother, but by her own name. Life was going smoothly—her husband earned through farming, and her family had no major problems. But deep inside, Dharmshila carried two big dreams: to send her son to a good school and to create her own identity in society.
After joining as a Sakhi with Swayam Shikshan Prayog, Dharmshila attended awareness meeting where she learned about the harmful effects of climate change and how clean energy could bring positive change to her life and her surroundings. Inspired and determined, she took a bold step. With family support and guidance from SSP, she started a nursery business on one acre of unused land near her home.
She also received help from the Mukhyamantri Plantation Yojana and ATMA, and soon her plants began to be purchased by the block office under MGNREGA. This gave her a regular income, and she added a clean energy component to her work, installing a biogas unit at home. Now, Dharmshila earns ₹6,000–₹7,000 per month—and proudly sent her son to Gaya city for higher secondary education.
Today, the same woman who once wanted to be known by her name is lovingly called “Dharmshila Didi” in her village and block. She feels her life is now complete. Her journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to start something meaningful, and that even small steps taken with purpose can lead to a life of respect, independence, and inspiration.
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
27th May, 2025