How Did Mamata Sharma Become Odisha’s ‘Lakhpati Didi’ and a Symbol of Rural Empowerment?

Kendrapara (Odisha), June 2 (NationPress) Emerging from the depths of financial adversity, Mamata Nath Sharma from Taradipal village in Odisha's Kendrapara district has become a powerful figure in rural empowerment. Honored recently at the National Lakhpati Didi Conference at the State Lok Seva Bhawan, Mamata’s journey embodies the essence of resilience and transformation central to India’s rural development efforts.

The Lakhpati Didi Yojana, inaugurated by the Central government on December 23, 2023, aims to empower rural women to earn a minimum of Rs 1 lakh annually through self-employment initiatives via self-help groups (SHGs). This program, implemented in Odisha under the Odisha Livelihood Mission and Mission Shakti, promotes self-reliance and leadership among women at the grassroots level.

Kendrapara district has excelled, achieving 97 percent of its goals and securing the second position in the state for creating the highest number of 'Lakhpati Didis', just behind Nayagarh.

Mamata’s entrepreneurial journey commenced in 2011 when she joined her village SHG. Facing poverty, she secured a loan of Rs 30,000 to purchase a wheat grinding machine. With determination, she catered to villagers from seven surrounding areas, gradually generating profits and settling her debts.

Her dedication didn’t waver. Over the years, she acquired more loans from SHGs, banks, and federations—always repaying them punctually—and utilized the capital to expand her business. Today, Mamata operates a flourishing variety store and a multi-unit processing center equipped with machines for rice milling, spice grinding, oil extraction, ginger-garlic paste production, and much more.

In addition to being a successful entrepreneur, Mamata is a committed farmer. She cultivates paddy, green and black gram pulses, and various vegetables, including ridge gourd, cucumber, and pumpkin. Her unique ability to merge agriculture with enterprise positions her as a role model for sustainable rural livelihoods.

As a prominent member of a 12-woman SHG, Mamata leads by example. In winter, the group produces and markets items like papad, sattu, and packaged spices. Additionally, Mamata mentors fellow women, assisting them in launching their own income-generating projects.

Chosen as one of three representatives from Kendrapara to participate in the National Conference, Mamata has brought honor to her community and inspired countless women throughout rural Odisha. Her remarkable journey—from being a borrower to becoming a job creator—serves as a living testament to the Lakhpati Didi vision.