By Manisha Bhalerao, Block Coordinator, YouthAid Foundation
Rukmini Dalbhagat lives in Devle village, Nashik, with her husband and son. Her husband earned around ₹10,000 a month, but it was never enough to cover food, school fees, and daily needs. “I always wanted to support my family, but I didn’t know how to begin,” Rukmini recalls. She had never worked before, yet she kept looking for a chance to contribute.
That chance came through the Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) initiative of YouthAid Foundation, supported by Mahindra Accelo. The program helps women from rural and underprivileged backgrounds explore business opportunities and build confidence to step into fields where women are rarely seen.
During the three-day training, Rukmini learned the basics of business: planning, managing accounts, pricing, customer care, and even how to apply for government schemes. She says, “The training gave me both knowledge and courage. I started to believe I could also earn.”
After the training, Rukmini noticed something simple but powerful-hundreds of vehicles passed daily on the nearby highway, yet there were no food stalls. She thought, “What if I open a small fast-food stall? People are always looking for hot snacks, and I know how to cook tasty food.”
With seed capital of ₹10,000 from the program and a small amount from her savings, Rukmini set up a roadside stall. She began selling vada pav, samosas, poha, tea, and biscuits. At first, she spread the word among neighbors and women’s groups, and soon, her food became popular with drivers and travelers.
Rukmini’s small step brought big changes. Within months, her income grew from ₹10,000 to nearly ₹25,000. “People used to think I was just a housewife. Now they ask me for advice,” she says with pride. Her earnings now pay school fees on time, cover family needs, and even allow her to save.
Her success is also changing perceptions in her community. A local customer shared, “Her tea is the best! I always stop here when I am passing by. She has become a part of our route.”
Encouraged by her success, Rukmini now dreams of buying a mobile food van. She wants to serve more customers with hygienic food, expand her menu, and build a reliable brand. Her journey proves that with the right support and determination, women don’t just earn-they lead and inspire others to dream bigger.
