Meet our new “Entrepreneur”: Prabhavati Bhagat

Today, on the occasion of the International Women’s  Day, we introduce you to our new “entrepreneur”, Prabhavati Bhagat”, who is an inspiration to all the women as well as men. Her story indicates how women in India still have no right to education, are subjected to social injustice, inequality and discrimination. Yet, she bravely fights against all odds to be a successful, independant women today.

Prabhavati Bhagat is one of the beneficiaries of the SEED project run by Mumbai Smiles in the slums of Andheri. She joined the Beautician Skills training program which was conducted  by Mumbai Smiles in the month of August last year. After the successful completion of the training program, Prabhavati managed to run her own beauty parlour and is happy with her life. But she had to fight a long battle since her childhood.

Prabhavati grew up in the slums of Sakinaka, Andheri East, Mumbai. Childhood memories of her are very gloomy. She had to discontinue her studies at the age of 12 since her father lost his job. He said “either you or your brother will continue education. Now you have to make a choice”  So it was she who sacrificed then. The survival of the family was a big challenge. She recollects those memories and an expression of mixed feelings covers her face, reflecting those painful and tensed moments through which she had been.

Like every girl, she had a dream of getting married to a man of her dreams. She eventually got married at the age of 28 but destiny had some other plans for her. Her husband died after just one year of marriage. She got some compensation on the death of her husband through which she could survive for some time. She also worked as a volunteer at a local NGO as a counselor to the youth. The nature of work gave her inner strength and positive outlook towards life. Here, she met a very sensible men and got married to him at the age of 40. Things started taking positive shape in her life.

Meanwhile, she came to know about the training programs held by Mumbai Smiles in her community. She attended one of the meetings and she was impressed by the beauty parlor course. Her husband supported and encouraged her to join the course conducted by Mumbai Smiles through its SEED project. She says, ” Learning at Mumbai Smiles was fun. Apart from the routine course matter, we participated in co curricular activities which kept us rejuvenated. We were also briefed on how to interact with the clients through role plays. This training gave me confidence that I can do something in life. After working for a beauty parlor, I have opened my own beauty parlor which I operate from my home. In the first month, I made a profit of Rs. 3500.”

She further adds that ” My main motto behind joining this course was to start  my own business and be an entrepreneur. Today, when I see myself, I see a new Prabhavati, full of zeal and confidence to do something in life. All my thanks goes to Mumbai Smiles who inspired me and provided me this opportunity to do something on my own, to fulfill my dream. I am financially independent now and I have my own identity. My husband also supports me. Every women should be independent to handle some adverse situation in life like I had faced.”

All the best Prabhavati and keep going!

Also, to mark the occasion of International Women’s Day, Mumbai Smiles has planned to observe and celebrate the joy of womanhood where all the women associated with Mumbai Smiles, i.e, our Balwadi teachers, assistants, SEED trainees and staff will participate in this event. For more details, visit our blog on Monday. “Happy Women’s Day” to all our readers.