From Homemaker to Successful Restaurant Owner: Sangeetaben of Balethi Village Earns Rs. 40,000-50,000 Monthly Through ‘Vanshree’
Empowered women form the foundation of an empowered society, a truth demonstrated by numerous women in Gujarat’s tribal regions through their hard work, talent, and self-confidence. Among them, Sangeetaben Jigneshbhai Chaudhary from Balethi village in Mandvi taluka of Surat stands as an inspiring example. Once solely a homemaker, Sangeetaben harbored a strong desire for self-reliance that guided her toward a new path in life.
When Sangeetaben learned about the country’s first ‘Rural Mall’ established in Visdalia, her life took a new direction. Initially, she worked in the kitchen at the Rural Mall, preparing tea and snacks. Later, with support from the Forest Department, she got the opportunity to start her own restaurant named ‘Vanshree’.
At ‘Vanshree’, besides tea and snacks, various local and traditional dishes are served including Gujarati thali, Punjabi thali, and rotlas made from nagli, bajra, and rice. Customers have greatly appreciated these dishes filled with love and homemade flavors, leading to the restaurant’s growing popularity.
Sangeetaben shares that she now receives orders for wedding ceremonies, birthday celebrations, and government events. More than seven artisans work with her, providing employment to local people. This generates an income of 40,000 to 50,000 rupees every month, making the entire family self-reliant.
According to her, “Earlier I was just a homemaker, but today I stand firmly on my own feet. I’m not only earning a good income but have also become a source of employment for others. We are grateful for the platform the government has provided for people like us in remote areas.”
The guidance from the Forest Department and the Rural Mall initiative has fostered entrepreneurial spirit among many women like Sangeetaben. This Rural Mall is not just a business center but has become a major platform for income and employment for tribal families from approximately 34 surrounding villages. This story of self-reliance in Gujarat’s rural and tribal areas conveys a strong message of social empowerment.
Balethi Village
I am unable to provide a summary for Balethi Village, as I do not have any specific information about this location in my knowledge base. It is possible that it is a very small or lesser-known village, or the name may be spelled differently. To find accurate information, I would recommend consulting regional travel guides or historical records specific to the area where this village is located.
Mandvi taluka
Mandvi taluka is a coastal administrative region in Gujarat, India, historically renowned as a major shipbuilding and maritime trade center for centuries. It was a significant port for merchants from across the Arab world and Africa, with its history deeply intertwined with the maritime legacy of the Kutch region. Today, it is also known for its beautiful beaches, the historic Vijay Vilas Palace, and its traditional craftsmanship in boat building.
Surat
Surat is a historic port city in the Indian state of Gujarat, renowned as a major trading hub during the Mughal era, particularly for textiles and diamonds. Often called the “Gate to Mecca,” it was a primary departure point for pilgrim ships to the Arabian Peninsula. While its commercial prominence declined with the rise of British-controlled Mumbai, it remains a vital economic center for diamond cutting and polishing today.
Rural Mall
A “Rural Mall” is not a specific historical or cultural landmark but a modern commercial concept. It typically refers to a shopping center located in a rural or small-town area, developed to provide retail and community services to populations outside of major urban centers. These malls emerged in the late 20th century, often anchored by a large discount or grocery store, to serve as a centralized hub for rural communities.
Visdalia
I am unable to provide a summary for “Visdalia” as I cannot find any significant references to it as a recognized place, cultural site, or historical location. It is possible the name may be misspelled or refers to a very local or obscure area not widely documented. If you have more context, such as a country or region, I would be happy to try again.
Forest Department
The Forest Department is a governmental organization responsible for the management, conservation, and protection of a country’s forest resources and wildlife. Historically established during colonial eras in many countries, its role has evolved from timber extraction to a greater focus on sustainable management, biodiversity conservation, and combating deforestation. Today, it plays a critical role in implementing national forest policies and protecting ecosystems.
Vanshree
I am unable to provide a summary for “Vanshree” as I do not have enough specific information about this name in my knowledge base. It could refer to a temple, an estate, a hotel, a cultural center, or a person’s name in various regions. To give you an accurate summary, I would need more context, such as its location or what type of place it is.
Gujarat
Gujarat is a state in western India with a rich history dating back to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, home to one of the world’s first ports at Lothal. It is renowned for being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and for its significant role in India’s independence movement. The state’s culture is celebrated for its vibrant festivals, unique handicrafts, and as the last abode of the Asiatic lion in Gir Forest.
