Rakhi Dhruv became self-reliant with tamarind latta, turning traditional flavours into a powerful source of livelihood.
Raipur. Rakhi Dhruv, a resident of Arjuni village in Balodabazar-Bhatapara district, has set an inspiring example of self-reliance by making Chhattisgarh's traditional delicacy, Tamarind Lata, a source of livelihood. Through hard work, innovation, and a spirit of preserving tradition, she has not only made this traditional product her signature product but also strengthened her family's financial situation.
Rakhi Dhruv, a resident of Arjuni village in Balodabazar development block, explains that her success began when she visited a relative's house in Raipur. There, she saw the women nearby making Tamarind Lata in the traditional way. Recognizing the potential in this work, she gathered information about it and, upon returning to her village, decided to turn it into a business by joining the Bihan group. Rakhi Dhruv purchases tamarind as raw material for her business from Bhatapara, while she orders boxes for attractive packaging from Bilaspur. With the support of other women in the group and her own hard work, she has transformed this activity into a successful business.
Currently, she earns approximately ₹1.5 lakh annually from this work, enabling her to better support and financially strengthen her family. Rakhi says that people around her now affectionately call her "Lakhpati Didi," which is a matter of pride for her. Rakhi Dhruv's husband, Mr. Jaleshwar Dhruv, runs a tailoring and shoe shop in the village. Rakhi had a desire to do something on her own, which this tamarind latta business gave a new direction. She attributes her success to the welfare schemes of the central and state governments.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, Rakhi Dhruv says that government schemes have given rural women the opportunity to step out of the confines of their homes and move forward on the path of economic independence. Today, through Bihan, the living standards of thousands of families like hers have changed positively, and women are establishing themselves in society with self-respect.
