From financial struggles to leading rural women: Manjeet Kaur’s journey of determination
Once struggling to support her family, Manjeet today leads several rural women toward financial independence through the PSRLM
36-year-old Manjeet Kaur has emerged as a symbol of determination in Pandher village of Barnala district, proving how opportunity and perseverance can transform lives.
Once struggling to support her family, Manjeet today leads several rural women toward financial independence through the Punjab State Rural Livelihood Mission (PSRLM).
A few years ago, life was far from easy for her. Her family’s income was not enough to meet household expenses. Manjeet stitched clothes at home and earned a modest living.
Her turning point came in 2021 when she formed the “Guru Nanak Dev Ji Self Help Group” in her village — the first Self Help Group (SHG) in Pandher. Bringing together 10 women, Manjeet helped revive traditional Punjabi crafts such as ‘phulkari’, ‘pakhis’, embroidered bags, ‘ghaghras’ and ‘parandas’. The group later expanded its work to include homemade pickles, ‘seviyan’, hand-embroidered suits and other products.
The initiative soon began receiving appreciation at exhibitions and fairs.
With support from PSRLM, the group received a revolving fund of Rs 30,000, a Community Investment Fund of Rs 50,000 and access to cash credit facilities. These resources helped members strengthen their businesses.
Today, the group’s products are sold at fairs across districts such as Barnala, Ludhiana, Mohali and Sangrur. The WhatsApp groups at block and district levels have further boosted their reach and sales.
In 2023, Manjeet started working as an e-bookkeeper under PSRLM. Within two years, she become an Active Woman, Lakhpati Didi, State Resource Person and now serves as a Cluster Level Manager. In this role, she mentors a large number of women in Barnala block, helping them build sustainable livelihoods.
Her financial independence also rekindled her long-held dream of completing her education. After her father’s death in 2005 and marriage in 2006 forced her to discontinue studies, Manjeet resumed them and completed Class 12 in 2023. She is now pursuing a BA while raising two teenage children studying in Classes 11 and 12.
Beyond entrepreneurship, Manjeet now encourages other married women to return to education. Several women in the block have followed her example, balancing studies with work.
The officials in the district administration say stories like Manjeet’s reflect how SHGs are transforming rural women’s lives by combining economic opportunities with confidence and leadership.
