A remarkable success story unfolded at the National Livelihood Summit held in New Delhi, organized by Access Development in collaboration with NITI Aayog. Among the distinguished speakers was Rupinder Kaur, a self-made entrepreneur from village Pakka Kalan, Bathinda, who shared her inspiring journey of economic independence under the “Lakhpati Didi” initiative.
Her presence at the summit was a moment of pride for HMEL Self-Help Group (SHG), as she represented thousands of women striving for self-reliance through grassroots initiatives. The event provided a crucial platform for discussing sustainable livelihood models and women’s entrepreneurship, where Rupinder’s story stood out as a beacon of resilience and empowerment.
The Journey from a Small Initiative to a Thriving Enterprise
In 2018, Rupinder Kaur, with the support of HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL), formed the Gyan Self-Help Group, bringing together women from her village. Recognizing the potential of skill development, HMEL provided them with training and a bag-stitching unit to start their enterprise.
However, just as the group was gaining momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020. Instead of giving up, Rupinder and her team remained determined. Their breakthrough came when HMEL facilitated an order to produce school bags for government institutions, giving them the much-needed push.
Since then, there has been no looking back. Today, Rupinder and her team have earned over ₹11 lakh from bag stitching. Their products are in demand across Punjab and Haryana, and the business continues to expand.
Creating a Wave of Women Entrepreneurs
Beyond her own success, Rupinder has played a vital role in empowering other women in her village. At the request of Hand in Hand India (HIH), she trained multiple women in bag-making, helping them achieve financial independence. Her initiative has led to the formation of four additional bag-stitching groups, with over 40 women now engaged in the business.
Each member of these groups earns approximately ₹15,000 per month, enabling them to support their families, educate their children, and contribute to household expenses alongside their spouses.
A Testament to HMEL’s Commitment to Rural Development
Rupinder Kaur’s story is a testament to the impact of structured rural development programs. HMEL has been actively working towards women’s empowerment in 59 villages surrounding the Guru Gobind Singh Refinery, forming over 491 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and enabling more than 5,000 women to gain sustainable employment.
Her inspiring journey at the National Livelihood Summit serves as a motivation for countless women, proving that with the right support and determination, financial independence is within reach.