Welcome to our blog, where we embark on a captivating journey that took place during my transformative six-month stay in a rural village. Throughout this period, my primary objective was to gain a deep understanding of the project I was developing and to explore innovative ways to uplift and improve the quality of life within this community.
It struck me that a significant number of individuals from my childhood days, when I would visit the village during holidays, had migrated to cities to work primarily as drivers. Many young people, particularly boys from our region, leave to become drivers or take up other jobs where they can save money to support their families back home. Meanwhile, their fathers or mothers continue to work as farmers.
This realization was eye-opening for me. It became evident that when females from these families get married, they stay behind to care for their parents and manage the household. They also tend to the farms and any livestock if they have any, while their husbands work in the cities. I found this scenario to be prevalent in the area I am familiar with.
As I delved deeper into understanding the village’s problems, I came across numerous stories where men who left for the cities did not return. Some succumbed to alcoholism or simply chose not to contribute to their families. Others left for the city and never came back. These accounts compelled me to acknowledge the need for assisting women who were left behind to shoulder the responsibilities of their families without any financial means or skills for employment.
Thus, the idea of establishing IVillage took shape. IVillage aimed to provide opportunities for women who desired to make a difference but lacked viable options. With the support of 22 women, we embarked on our journey. Our first significant order came from BlackBerry, which entrusted us with the task of creating suit covers. To this day, BlackBerry remains one of our valued clients. Over time, we expanded our product range from packaging materials to more mainstream items like corporate gifts. Every year, we receive substantial orders, particularly during the Diwali season.
Additionally, we repurpose leftover fabric from BlackBerry to create diaries. We take pride in delivering quality products to our clients, incorporating sustainability in our designs. Our commitment to professionalism and excellence has fostered enduring relationships with our clients.
This experience led me to realize that IVillage was my calling. When the six months were over, I informed my boss that I would not be returning to my previous position. He kindly supported my decision, assuring me that I could come back whenever I felt ready. And that is how it all transpired.