Shakuntala J Kunder, an anganwadi worker from Mavinkatte in Maninalkur village of Bantwal taluk, recently opened Sri Durga Gruhalakshmi Textiles and Garments, investing the money saved from the state govt’s Gruha Lakshmi scheme
The shop was inaugurated on Thursday, Oct 15, during Navaratri.
“I had a long-standing, stubborn desire to start my own enterprise and stand on my own feet, but we never had the capital to make it happen,” Shakuntala said. She said she deliberately kept the scheme funds untouched to build capital for her business. “Since we often fail to save what we earn from our regular jobs, I decided to keep this govt assistance completely untouched and use it solely for a permanent investment,” she said.
Shakuntala lives with her husband, Jayananda K., a driver, and their two sons. her younger son, Rithin J Kunder, is pursuing his PU education While her elder son has recently completed his degree. Bantwal Taluk Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee president Jayanti V Poojary, district committee vice-president Narayana Naik and child development project officer Mamtaaz visited the establishment to congratulate her on the initiative.
They need to use government facilities wisely, invest in themselves, and build a self-reliant life,” she said. Shakuntala hopes to expand the business by purchasing fabric and garments, including nighties, saris and skirts, in larger quantities. She also aims to provide employment to more women in the locality. “I wanted to be a model for others and show that the Gruha Lakshmi money shouldn’t be wasted on temporary luxuries. Women shouldn’t be afraid to step forward.