#AtoZChallenge #InspiringIndianWomen #RagstoRiches #KalpanaSaroj
What makes a child bride and a dalit poor girl Maharastra become an icon and a Padmashri Awardee? Inspiring that any odds can always be made even!
Women of substance don't need an introduction. Their work speaks for
them. But what truly describes their achievements is their strength. The
strength to pull out of a hopeless darkness that threatens to consume
them whole.
Such
is the story of Kalpana Saroj, a self-made woman who didn't let the
ghosts of her past define her future. This is the story of a woman who
found light at the end of the blinding tunnel of abuse and torture.
Allow us to take you through Kalpana's life, a narrative that perfectly befits the title of 'Slumdog Millionaire'.
A child bride
Born in a
dalit household
in Vidharbha, Kalpana got married at the age of 12 and settled in
Mumbai's slum area with her husband's family. However, after suffering
incessant physical abuse and mental torture by her in-laws, she left her
husband and was brought back home by her rescuer, her father.
A failed suicide attempt
Kalpana
tried to end her life following the ostracisation she faced from the
villagers. Thankfully, she failed and at the age of 16, she was back in
Mumbai - this time to live with her uncle's family.
A fresh start
Kalpana
soon started working in a garment factory to support her family
financially. With a heart that wanted to help the scheduled castes, she
took government loans with which she started her own tailoring business
and a furniture store.
A child bride
Born in a
dalit household
in Vidharbha, Kalpana got married at the age of 12 and settled in
Mumbai's slum area with her husband's family. However, after suffering
incessant physical abuse and mental torture by her in-laws, she left her
husband and was brought back home by her rescuer, her father.
A failed suicide attempt
Kalpana
tried to end her life following the ostracisation she faced from the
villagers. Thankfully, she failed and at the age of 16, she was back in
Mumbai - this time to live with her uncle's family.
outlookbusiness
A fresh start
Kalpana
soon started working in a garment factory to support her family
financially. With a heart that wanted to help the scheduled castes, she
took government loans with which she started her own tailoring business
and a furniture store.
newsflicks
A movie production
Kalpana also ventured into film-making. She founded the KS Film Production and produced
Khairalnji - a film that was dubbed in Hindi, English and Telegu.
An entrepreneurial venture
After
she had successfully established her real estate business, Kalpana
became a recognised name on the list of entrepreneurs. She served as a
board member in Kamani Tubes when the company went into liquidation in
2001. But as soon as she took over, profits started pouring in and the
company began moving towards the path of success.
A Padma Shri awardee
Her
contributions won Kalpana the Padma Shri honour in 2013. She was also
appointed as a board of director on Bhartiya Mahila Bank by the Indian
government.
Kalpana is one of the many examples who, by the sheer force of her
strength, is inspiring women everywhere. We salute her resolve and hope
she continues to shine like the brightest star in the sky!
References
http://www.indiatimes.com/lifestyle/self/from-a-child-bride-to-a-millionaire-to-a-padma-shri-winner-this-is-the-story-of-kalpana-saroj-251798.html
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/how-dalit-entrepreneur-kalpana-saroj-revived-kamani-tubes-ltd/articleshow/9402860.cms
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalpana_Saroj
https://yourstory.com/2015/02/kalpana-saroj/
