Raipur. Rural women, who were once confined to household responsibilities, are today becoming such an example of self-reliance that it has become an inspiration for the entire state. The boats running on the calm waters of Pilkha Dam in Pahargaon of Surajpur district no longer only provide a ride to tourists but also tell the story of struggle, courage and success of women.

This is the story of Muskan Mahila Self-Help Group, which despite limited resources, made its courage the rudder and paved a new path to self-reliance. Under the leadership of the group's President Mrs. Sunita Singh and Secretary Mrs. Yashoda Das, 10 women entered the tourism sector and made their mark by starting boating activities.The beginning wasn't easy. A lack of resources, a lack of technical know-how, and numerous operational challenges loomed. But instead of giving up, these women resolved to turn challenges into opportunities. They took on the responsibility of boating operations, security management, and tourist amenities themselves, and gradually turned their efforts into success.
Today, tourists visiting Pilkha Dam enthusiastically enjoy boating. This initiative has generated an income of 74,000 rupees for the group so far. This has not only strengthened the women's financial situation but also significantly increased their self-confidence and social respect.The group members say they never imagined operating tourism activities and creating employment for themselves. Today, they are not only increasing their family income but also inspiring other women to become self-reliant.

The success of the Muskan Women's Self-Help Group demonstrates that given opportunity and confidence, rural women can reach new heights in any field. This boat, sailing on the waves of Pilkha Dam, is no longer just a means of tourism but has become a powerful symbol of women's empowerment, entrepreneurship, and a self-reliant India.