๐ ๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ฆ๐๐ค๐๐ซ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ซ: ๐๐๐๐ญ๐๐ง๐ฃ๐๐ฅ๐ขโs ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ง๐๐ฒ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฐ๐ญ๐ก
Geetanjali Mirkale from Kumdal village in Latur district, Maharashtra, transformed financial hardship into a thriving enterprise through determination and the right support.
Married at 21, she moved from Chakur to Kumdal with limited resources and growing responsibilities. Her family of five survived on a modest monthly income of around โน3,000 from a fertiliser shop and milk sales. Despite financial strain, Geetanjali was determined to build a more secure future.
In the beginning, with minimal resources and little business exposure, she set up a small murkul manufacturing unit on her own land. The initial phase was demanding and uncertain. However, her association with Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP) marked a turning point. Through focused entrepreneurship and skill-based training, she enhanced her technical expertise, gained confidence, and developed a clear strategy to expand and strengthen her enterprise.
Today, her business reflects resilience and growth. She produces 12.5 quintals of murkul every month, using nearly 35 tonnes of maida annually. Her products reach 7โ8 districts across Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. The enterprise generates a minimum monthly income of โน1 lakh and has grown in value from โน18 lakh to nearly โน40 lakh.
Geetanjali provides regular employment to four workers, including two women, creating stable livelihoods within her community. By strategically relocating her unit to address infrastructure challenges and planning a cost-efficient return to her village, she demonstrates strong business acumen and long-term vision.
โChallenges will always be there, but if we keep learning and moving forward, even a small beginning can grow into something meaningful,โ says Geetanjali.Her journey inspires rural women to believe that with skills, confidence, and the right support, small ideas can grow into sustainable enterprises that create livelihoods and hope.
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
19 February, 2026