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Uttar Pradesh News Updated Sep 27, 2025

From teacher to entrepreneur: Sunita Patel's inspiring journey under NULM

Sunita Patel's remarkable journey showcases the transformative power of the National Urban Livelihood Mission in rural India. From a private school teacher earning Rs 3,000 monthly, she formed a women's self-help group and launched a successful purse-making enterprise. Her story highlights how government initiatives can create economic opportunities for women in small towns. Patel credits Prime Minister Modi for providing platforms that enable women's financial independence.

Jaunpur, Sep 27

In the heart of Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, a silent revolution is taking shape. Lives of women are undergoing a sea change.

Their dreams are turning into reality. Credit goes to National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM), which is a key initiative under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The story of Sunita Patel, a resident of the Matupar locality in the Line Bazaar area, has created a buzz in the town. Sunita Patel's journey from being a private school teacher earning a meager Rs 3,000 a month to becoming a successful entrepreneur is just remarkable. Sunita told IANS that she used to teach at a local college along with another woman who later became an Anganwadi worker. It was this colleague who introduced her to the idea of women's self-help groups (SHGs) and encouraged her to join one.

Motivated by the potential, Sunita decided to form her own group. She brought together ten women and successfully created an SHG. Through the group, they were able to easily secure a loan of Rs 1 lakh from a bank. With that money, they started a small purse and bag making workshop.

Today, that workshop earns them around Rs 15,000 a month. The women work together to produce stylish and affordable purses.

""We sell each purse at Rs 90 wholesale and Rs 140 in retail," Sunita explains. "Right now, because of the festive season, the demand is very high. We're getting bulk orders from jewellery shops and other retailers."

They source raw materials locally from markets in Machhlishahr and Lucknow, and for larger quantities, they even procure materials from Delhi.

Sunita credits Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this change in her life. "What Modi Ji has done for women is truly commendable," she says with emotion.

"Earlier, we women remained suppressed. Even in private jobs, we worked hard but got very little money and often faced exploitation. But now, thanks to the opportunities provided, we don't have to beg anyone for help. We can earn as much as we're willing to work for."

With heartfelt gratitude, Sunita adds, "I thank Modi Ji from the bottom of my heart. No one has thought about women the way he has."

— IANS

Reader Comments

Rohit P

While I appreciate Sunita's success story, I wish the article had focused more on her entrepreneurial journey rather than making it entirely about political credit. Many such initiatives existed before NULM too. The real heroes are these women themselves who work hard against all odds.

Sarah B

From ₹3,000 to ₹15,000 monthly income is incredible growth! The purse business model sounds sustainable. Hope they can scale up and maybe even explore export opportunities. 🇮🇳

Arjun K

Jaunpur represent! 🎉 So proud to see stories from our small towns making headlines. This is what true "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" looks like in action - not just saving girls but empowering women.

Kavya N

The timing with festive season is perfect! Diwali shopping will give them great business. Maybe they should create an Instagram page to reach more customers directly. Wishing them all the success! ✨

Michael C

Interesting business model - sourcing from Delhi for bulk orders shows they're thinking strategically. The ₹90 wholesale price seems very competitive. Hope they maintain quality as they scale.

Neha E

As a woman entrepreneur myself, I know how difficult it is to get that first loan. The SHG model really simplifies

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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