24-year-old Nikita Yadav currently works as the MIS (Management Information System) in-charge at the Unnat Agro Processing Center in Gairatganj, where she plays a crucial role in managing data, accounts, and business operations.
Born into a farming family in Kesali, a small village near Gairatganj in Raisen district, Nikita grew up with limited resources but a strong desire to excel. Her father, a smallholder farmer, studied until the 6th standard, and her mother, a homemaker, studied until the 4th standard. As the youngest among four sisters and a brother, Nikita was determined to create her own path. She pursued her education at a government school before completing her BA and PGDCA from the Government College in the Gairatganj. Currently, she is furthering her studies with an MA in Political Science from Swami Vivekanand College, Gairatganj.
Despite completing her graduation in 2022, Nikita faced challenges in finding stable employment. She initially worked as a computer operator at a private school, but the low salary and high workload made it difficult to balance work with her academic aspirations. The learning curve at the job was also limited, as the work mostly pertained entering school data in excel. While many of her friends moved to Bhopal in search of better job opportunities, Nikita was determined to stay close to home.
A turning point in her career came through her mother, an active member of the local Self-Help Group (SHG), who informed her about a job opening at the Unnat Agro Processing Center, established through collaboration between Madhya Pradesh State Rural Livelihoods Mission, Imago Global Grassroots and SEWA. Seizing the opportunity, Nikita joined the center in April 2024. Even though she had worked as a computer operator, she could only use excel for data entry purposes. After joining the center, Nikita underwent regular trainings, workshops, exposure visits and on the job training. Her desire to learn was complemented by the support system provided at the Unnat center, and now she manages business-related data, maintains digital accounts, and analyzes procurement, production, and sales figures.
This role has not only provided her with financial stability but also allowed her to enhance her professional skills while continuing her education. Nikita’s journey is a testament to how local talent, when given the right opportunities, can contribute to both personal growth and the development of their communities.
Her story serves as an inspiration for young women in rural areas, proving that with determination and the right support, they can achieve professional success without having to leave their roots.
Rajshree Farakte: A Journey of Resilience and Success
Rajshree Farakte is currently working as Marketing In-Charge at Unnat Agro Processing Center in Bamori, Madhya Pradesh. She is one of the four women working at the Processing center and has steadfastly led and managed the marketing function for over a year.
Born and raised in Tumaregaon, a small village in Radhanagari Taluk of Kolhapur District, Maharashtra, her father was a farmer, and her mother a homemaker. She was passionate about dancing since childhood and dreamed of pursuing higher education. Her father, though supportive, couldn’t afford her education and got Rajshree married at the age of 17.
Rajshree had to move to Madhya Pradesh after marriage. Not knowing Hindi, she struggled to communicate in her new environment. Although her in-laws, being Maharashtrians, provided some comfort, the language barrier left her isolated from the outside world. Her husband, a small landlord and farmer, encouraged her to study further, but the difficulty of learning a new language forced her to abandon the dream of formal education once again.
Determined to contribute to her family’s financial stability, Rajshree decided to take matters into her own hands. She started a small business selling bangles from home, an initiative that provided some financial relief. Seeking more opportunities, she joined a Self-Help Group (SHG), which would later become a turning point in her life.
Through the SHG, Rajshree secured a job as a tailor at Ajeevika Garment Center. She dedicated four years to the role, honing her skills and gaining financial independence. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought a significant setback, forcing the garment center to shut down. With no source of income, the following three years were fraught with uncertainty and hardship.
When the garment center finally reopened, Rajshree resumed her work. Around the same time, she learned about the establishment of a dal mill in Bamori. Sensing an opportunity for growth, she applied for the role of Marketing In-Charge at Unnat Agro Processing Center and was successfully shortlisted.
The agro-processing center operates under the guidance of IMAGO Global Grassroots and SEWA, both of which focus on empowering SHG women. As an SHG member herself, Rajshree took immense pride in securing the position. However, her new role came with its own set of challenges—particularly the need to communicate fluently in Hindi. Determined not to let language be a barrier again, she put in relentless effort and soon mastered Hindi, speaking it fluently like a native speaker.
As part of her job, Rajshree conducted market surveys, visiting grocery stores and gaining valuable insights into retail businesses. Inspired by her learnings, she encouraged her husband to start a grocery shop in their village. Today, their shop is thriving, providing additional financial stability to their household.
Over time, she saved money from her earnings and achieved a significant milestone—purchasing a plot of land in her native village. For Rajshree, this investment was not just about financial security; it symbolized her journey toward self-reliance and independence.
With her career now stable, Rajshree has set her sights on ensuring a brighter future for her children. Her primary goal is to save money for their education, giving them the opportunities she once longed for but could not attain.
Reflecting on her journey, Rajshree says, “Every struggle has made me stronger. I take pride in being an SHG woman, a working professional, and a role model for other women who aspire to build their own identity.”
Her story is a powerful reminder that determination, learning, and self-belief can help anyone overcome challenges and achieve success. Rajshree Farakte’s journey is not just her own—it is an inspiration for countless women striving for financial independence and self-empowerment in rural India.
