Raipur. Mrs. Sumni Kashyap, a resident of Chhindgaon village, dependent on Gram Panchayat Kohkapal under Bakawand block of Bastar district, has today emerged as a new symbol of inspiration for rural women. Sumni, who was once confined to traditional farming, has established a successful business of cement brick manufacturing with her hard work, wisdom and the support of the self-help group. After joining the self-help group, she came to know about the increasing demand for bricks for the Prime Minister's Housing Scheme and other construction works in the village and surrounding areas, which inspired her to start this industry.

To start this business, a seed capital of ₹5 lakh was provided by the cluster organization under the 'Non-Farm' (non-agricultural livelihood activity) component of the National Rural Livelihood Mission. Along with this assistance, Sumni invested an additional ₹1.5 lakh through herself and her group. After arranging machinery, sheds, and flooring at a total cost of over ₹6.5 lakh, cement brick production formally began last April. Raw materials like dust and gravel, required for brick making, are readily available from the Jagdalpur and Balenga areas. Due to the high volume of housing construction in the area, the demand for Sumni's bricks is so high that customers come directly to the construction site to pick them up as soon as they are ready. She has sold 20 trolleys of bricks in just three months.

Having become financially independent, Sumni Kashyap is now able to shape her children's futures for a better future. Her eldest daughter, after completing her 12th grade, is pursuing a computer course in Jagdalpur and preparing for the Agricultural Entrance Test (PAT). Her two younger sons are in seventh and fifth grades, respectively. Sharing her success, Sumni says that working as a gender master in a self-help group for a salary of 5,000 rupees, and her excellent work ethic, earned her the opportunity to travel to Delhi and gain recognition. After farming, running a shop, and fish farming, Sumni Kashyap, who has now become self-reliant through cement brick manufacturing, demonstrates that given the right guidance and opportunities, rural women can become a strong pillar of the economy.