Chapter 2

Swavlambhit Vaani Samvaad (स्वावलंबित वाणी संवाद)/Self-Reliant Voices in Dialogue

Note: Vaani is more than just “voice” or “speech”. Vaani implies graceful and eloquent speech, emphasizing the value of speaking thoughtfully, kindly, and effectively. The concept encourages using speech to uplift, share knowledge, and foster understanding, making Vaani a virtue in itself.
In the Swavlamban model, a Vaani is a trained community leader who mobilizes, trains, and guides rural women in building sustainable livelihoods while ensuring quality standards in local enterprises, serving as a cornerstone of the Swavlamban (self-reliance) movement.

Through their candid conversation, we’ll see how they’re turning local resources into opportunities and building stronger communities. 

Let’s hear their story…

Sewali: You know, when I look back, it feels like a dream sometimes. Until two years ago, I used to reluctantly ask my husband for Rs. 500 to spend at the Dudhkuwar Bohagi mela. Today I am able to buy a Dhoti and Gamosa for him at the mela with my own hard earnings! Not only am I making about Rs. 4,000 every month, but I feel like I’m actually helping the women in our village build something truly special.

Minu: Ji Didi! It’s such a change, isn’t it? I still remember when I started. I was nervous thinking, ‘How am I supposed to lead other women?’ It felt like such a big task. I had a lot of

hesitation as well; knocking on the doors of people I barely knew made me feel shy. But, the more I put myself in these uncomfortable conditions, the more comfortable I became. I realized just how eager our community was for these opportunities. In the last six months, I’ve trained 240 women from both our village and nearby ones. And every woman I train, it’s like adding another strong thread to the fabric of our community.

Sewali: YES! I’ve trained about 153 women in the last six months myself, and in multiple value chains like banana chips, soaps, jams, incense sticks, etc. So I know exactly the kind of effort it requires from us. But I like the work that we do. In all honesty, I love that we are working for the community. It’s not just about income or training alone—it’s about women using their free time to help their family live better lives. I’ve seen that for some women, it is about buying an extra pen or being able to give pocket money to their kids. 

Minu: (almost interrupting) Exactly! I witness the small changes in the lives of these women. Some of these women are incredibly talented , but they didn’t know how to make a product that would sell outside. So, I focus on skills to make these crafts more productive, market-friendly, and durable. It’s rewarding to see their self-worth and self-confidence grow when their products are appreciated and sold.

Sewali: Yes. I remember it took me around 3 months just to figure out the importance of quality inspection. Earlier, engaged and focused on mobilizing and making batches, I would jump from one batch to the other. Only later did I understand  the importance of maintaining certain standards of products. I try to take extra care of it now. My days are full, but it’s a different feeling knowing that I’m not just earning my money; I’m helping each of these women earn a livelihood.

Minu: True! This role of being a Vaani… it’s helped me grow as well. Meeting so many women, I’ve learned to communicate better, be patient, and understand the unique challenges that each of them faces. And the challenges of the field, Uff! Some days, you go out and nobody is available.  The whole day feels wasted. It’s discouraging when my hard work seems to go down the drain. But, other days make up for it. (Gets visibly excited) Didi, isn’t it wonderful how people see us now? I get so much respect in the village. Even the younger girls look up to me, thinking, ‘If she can do it, so can I.’

Sewali: Yes, they do! And that respect extends to the idea of Swavlamban itself. You know, in each training session,  I try to discuss this idea about using what we already have—our land, our skills, our community—to meet our own needs. The whole idea is that we shouldn’t have to depend on resources from outside; we can create everything right here. It makes sense. Do you know that Goalpora’s Darangiri market is Asia’s largest banana market? So, I recently trained some women in making good quality banana chips as bananas are found in abundance in our village, to the point that so much of it goes to waste each year. Isn’t that great? They have now formed an enterprise selling 10,000 packets of chips and earning around Rs. 60,000 every month.

Minu: Yes, Didi! I am also grateful that the Drishtee Foundation is helping us address the biggest barrier that our small rural businesses face – market linkage. Learning how to price our goods, how to market them, and even how to reach towns nearby is really quite crucial. Our women don’t just see themselves as wives or daughters-in-law anymore; they see themselves as contributors, business owners, and part of a bigger purpose.

Sewali: And that’s where Swavlamban’s power lies. Every skill or business we add just strengthens the whole community. We’re all getting trained, but it’s the connections and confidence we’re building that make the biggest difference.

Minu: And Didi, we’re just getting started. You know Anupama Didi (Drishtee’s employee) asked me about my plans 6 months from now, and I realised that I hadn’t thought about that. It made me think about all the potential trainings that I will conduct in the future, and the kind of impact the trainings would create eventually. I plan to work closely with the Mitra and the Dhavak,  not only to benefit myself but also to help build a stronger community and a better tomorrow.

Through their words, we see how the Swavlamban model has shaped the Vaanis into leaders who not only earn regular income but also foster a vision of a self-reliant, and an empowered community. These Vaanis are helping hundreds of women find new livelihoods, respect, and a renewed sense of purpose. Their journey symbolizes the true power of collective self-reliance—of Swavalamban.

As Vaanis like Sewali and Minu weave together the threads of enterprise and empowerment, their work ignites a chain reaction of change. But they are not alone in this mission. Next, we turn to the allies who work alongside them—men who are redefining their roles to strengthen the Swavalamban ecosystem.