I saw my husband return home exhausted, his hands calloused, his eyes filled with worry. I knew I had to do something. But what could a woman like me—who had never stepped beyond the walls of her home—possibly do?

Then, one day, hope arrived.

At a village meeting, I met a community worker from FVTRS who spoke about free driving training for women. The idea seemed impossible at first. A woman driver? What would people say? But something inside me whispered, Why not?

I took a leap of faith. I joined the training, learned to drive, and earned my license. When I was appointed as a driver for a waste-collection vehicle in my own village with a salary of ₹6,000 per month, I felt a mix of joy and fear.

People mocked me. They whispered, they laughed. But I kept going. I ignored the comments and focused on my journey. And then, something unexpected happened—those same people who once laughed at me began to admire me. They saw my courage, my determination, and my strength.

Today, I am not just a wife or a mother. I am a woman who broke barriers.

"Thanks to FVTRS, I transformed my family’s future. I didn’t just earn money—I earned respect, confidence, and a new identity. Now, I drive forward with my head held high, knowing that I am capable of anything."

As time passed, it became difficult to meet our family’s growing needs with a single income. The pressure pushed me to consider finding a job, but with no professional experience or training, I wasn’t sure where to begin.

Everything changed when I came across FVTRS’s free computer training program. Filled with hope, I enrolled and learned basic computer skills along with Tally. Balancing the training with my responsibilities wasn’t easy—but I stayed committed and completed the course.

With the help of a relative working in the railways, I secured a job at the Railway Ticket Counter in Jagdalpur on a contract basis. Now, I earn ₹15,000 per month. Recently, I even bought an auto for my husband through finance.

Today, both of us are working, and together, we are building a stable income for our family.

“Thanks to FVTRS for helping us dream and giving us the courage to reshape our future.”

What began as a distraction soon became a turning point. The supportive learning environment, interaction with fellow trainees, and opportunity to acquire a new skill helped Bhanupriya gradually overcome the emotional scars of her past. With determination and dedication, she mastered tailoring and successfully completed the training.

Soon after, she began stitching garments from her home and steadily built a loyal customer base. Encouraged by the growing demand, Bhanupriya partnered with a friend and invested ₹60,000 to start a small boutique. Though equipped with only basic facilities initially, their hard work and commitment helped the business grow. Over time, they reinvested their earnings to purchase an embroidery machine and expand their services.

Today, Bhanupriya earns approximately ₹60,000 per month after meeting all business expenses. What started as a way to cope with life's challenges has transformed into a thriving enterprise, restoring her confidence, independence, and purpose. Her journey stands as a powerful example of resilience, proving that with the right support and determination, setbacks can become stepping stones to success.

Though I always felt a desire to do something different, I didn’t know what that “something else” could be. That uncertainty persisted—until I discovered the free Videography and Photoshoot training offered by FVTRS.

Enrolling in the course was a turning point. With each session, I gained new skills and confidence. After successfully completing the training, I secured a job at TAPTI Video House, where I now earn ₹10,000–₹12,000 every month.

“Thanks to FVTRS, I’ve become a proud earning member of my family.”

My passion for the electrical field started fading, until I discovered the free training in Electricals and Plumbing offered by FVTRS. I left my assistant job to join the course and trained in both trades. After completing the program, I got a job in an Electrical and Motor Winding shop earning ₹4,500 per month. But deep down, I aspired for more.

Having also attended FVTRS’s Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP), I gained the confidence to study the local market. I borrowed ₹50,000 and launched my own Electrical and Motor Winding shop. Today, I earn ₹20,000 every month and am proud to support my parents financially.

“FVTRS filled me with hope and confidence—now I stand tall as a business owner.”

The training helped her to re-think on improving the business with better strategies. Since Jebbin was residing in a slum, not many customers came to buy her products. The training however helped her to keep clean work environment, building customer rapport and maintain quality. She used the financial support to purchase raw material and re-start her business. Now her business is thriving with a bigger customer base with an average income of Rs. 7000/-per month.

Since Abhirami is a member of ODP SHG group, she got the opportunity to attend the EDP training. The training not only gave her the confidence to start the business but also helped her with financial assistance for investment. She has now equipped her shop with home utilities and booming with her business. She is now able to earn about 4000/- to 5000/- a month from her small business. Abhirami now has instilled confidence in herself and dreaming of expanding her business with all the skills and strategies learned during the EDP training

When Latha heard about the EDP training, she was hesitant to attend thinking such training was meant for those who are educated. But members encouraged her to attend and she found it amazing. The training gave her confidence and determination to restore the business. With the financial assistance, she invested in purchasing raw material and re-started her flower business.

Latha is now investing Rs 3000/- per day and gets a dividend of Rs 2500/-. Besides this, she is also selling snacks in the evening. Latha is now able to take care of all household expenses while giving education to her sons.

Earlier, I was too dependent on my parents and took loans from them frequently. The training has inspired me to be independent and take responsibility for my family. I am living a life with respect and dignity, says Latha.

With the motivation and financial assistance given by FVTRS, Meji purchased a new sewing machine and started embroidery work on stitched blouses and other ladies garments.

Embroidery work is the value addition she has given to her old business, which has good market demand. Meji also used the EDP skills to market her products and increase her customer base.

Meji has increased her earning from Rs. 3000/- per month before lockdown to Rs. 15,000/- post EDP training. She is also planning to further diversify her business by introducing artificial ornaments to match the saree works. Meji dreams of a bright future ahead of her.

Moreover, with no work in hand, no income to take care of the family she was going crazy. That is when the EDP training came as a ray of hope.

After attending the training, Rajeshwari decided to start a business and came out with a business plan of launching a saree sales business. With the financial support of 12,000/-, she purchased clothes from the wholesale market and sold it at retail price for a profit. She also revitalized her flower business. Together she was able to manage the business because the EDP gave her insights of systematizing and strategic planning. She uses social media to advertise her products and hence has a wide range of customers.

On an investment of 15,000/- she is able to make a profit of 5000/-. She is planning to upscale this business by taking loan and increasing her investment

“I had always thought of doing well in business, but never thought it would happen so early in my career. Had it not been for FVTRS training and financial support, I wouldn’t have been able to see the hidden talents in me," says Rajeshwari

Amid the sweeping economic distress triggered by the pandemic, Rudramma found very difficult to manage the family. With the business stalled and no income, her hopes of future was bleak.

During these difficult times, the EDP training and financial support helped Rudramma to gradually recover her hopes and start anew. Inspired by the motivation and insights given in the training, Rudramma restarted her business with better planning.

“I was doing a single fruit business, after the training I started selling seasonal fruits of different varieties on the basis of market demands. I have made the fruit stall bigger and appealing so that customers get attracted”, says Rudramma.

In addition to the 12000/- given by FVTRS, Rudramma availed a loan of 20,000/- from the SHG and invested in the business. She reinvests the profit to increase the business and claims of earning around 20,000/- each month. She is dreaming of expanding her business by purchasing a fruit cart. She is also hoping to approach the BBMP for a concrete shop to be rented so that her business can grow.

After attending the training, she was able to make a feasible business plan. She has registered with MSME and procured a license.

The financial assistance of 12000/- was used to attend a Khadi training and purchase raw material. Now Swarna has started preparing organic cosmetic products (soap, lip balm etc) and initiated online sales through Amazon. The EDP training has inspired her to be innovative in marketing. She is also keen in maintaining quality products and making it chemical free.

Swarna is current making a profit of 10,000/- a month and hopes to increase it gradually. She plans to start a production unit and give employment to young girls from low-income families.

“My neighbors who were mocking at me initially are now able to see the change and envy me. I want to pursue my dreams”, says Swarna.