Imphal: Waikhom Nandini, a member of the Yaralpat Self-Help Group in Kshetrigao CD Block, was honored and felicitated by Union Minister of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Giriraj Singh, for her valuable contributions to grassroots governance.
She is one of the two members of the Self-Help Group (SHG), Thesong Withme Monsang being the other, who met all eligibility criteria laid down by the Ministry of Rural Development. As a member of the high-performing SHG and without any NPA, she has been invited along with her spouse to attend as ‘Special Guests’ and witness the glorious 75th Republic Day Parade held on Kartavya Path in New Delhi.
Nandini, 38 years old, from Top Mayai Leikai, Imphal East, Manipur, has overcome many challenges in her life. Before joining the SHG under the Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM), she faced financial difficulties, earning only Rs. 2500 a month as a weaver while her husband worked as an auto-rickshaw driver. Through the support of the SHG, Nandini took loans and invested in livelihood activities such as livestock rearing and farming. Today, she owns her own weaving loom, and her husband owns an e-rickshaw. Their income has improved significantly, allowing them to provide a better education for their two children.
On the other hand, Thesong Withme Monsang is a resident of Laiching Kangshang village situated in Manipur. Thesong Withme Monsang’s life took a positive turn when she was introduced to the Self-Help Group (SHG) under Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission – MSRLM. With the support of her husband, Withme started availing loans from the group to meet various needs, including her children’s fees and household expenses. Over time, Withme received training in livelihood activities and focused on establishing small-scale poultry and duck farms. However, her true passion lies in cultivating her fruit farm, which boasts over 100 mango trees, 300 lemon trees, and various banana plants. With her first fruit harvest in 2023, she earned 12,000, which she considers a promising start. Excitingly, Withme envisions producing pickles and fruit juices for the market through SHG’s food processing training opportunity.
Within the SHG, Withme has served in various roles, including Leader-1, and Executive Committee member, and currently, she holds the position of President of the Kawar Napuinu Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited. Withme dreams big and finds fulfillment in her endeavors within the SHG.
Waikhom Nandini’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of Self-Help Groups, not just as a financial institution but also as a pillar of social support within the community. In her capacity, she has also taken up roles as a community facilitator, and resource person, providing assistance and capacity building to numerous SHGs in her district and outside her district.
Additionally, the Yaralpat SHG has achieved remarkable milestones, such as organizing vaccination programs for animals, livestock rearing training, and COVID-19 vaccination drives in the village. Under the PRI CBO Convergence project, several SHG members have benefited from various government schemes related to housing, employment, and health. Waikhom Nandini’s accomplishments exemplify the spirit of empowerment and resilience that SHGs bring to grassroots governance.
