Success Stories/Case Study

Santosh Chintaman Dongre, a small farmer from Sawangi Raut village from Yavatmal district, faced significant challenges due to unpredictable farming conditions and personal hardships. Owning 3 acres of land, he primarily cultivated soybean, tur, and gram. The heavy rains and soil erosion in 2022-23 led to substantial crop losses. To cope, Santosh took a ₹30,000 loan for his wife’s medical treatment, leaving him in debt with no funds for the next season.

At this critical juncture, the MRLEP team from Apeksha and AFARM introduced Santosh to vegetable cultivation. They provided seeds and seedlings for brinjals, okra, and chawali, along with essential inputs like vermin composting and Dashparni ark. Agricultural experts offered guidance on seed treatment, sowing techniques, and pest management. Within two months, Santosh’s vegetable plot yielded 2,900 kg of brinjal, earning ₹58,000; 110 kg of chawali, earning ₹3,300; and 560 kg of okra, earning ₹16,800, totaling ₹78,100. This income allowed him to refurbish his home before the monsoon and set aside funds for the upcoming Rabi season, revitalizing his financial stability and regaining confidence and optimism.

Santosh’s success story demonstrates the transformative power of MRLEP’s targeted interventions. By diversifying his livelihood through vegetable cultivation, Santosh improved his economic standing and enhanced his community’s resilience. “MRLEP project has transformed my life and provided hope for my family. I realized the potential of diversifying my agricultural practices and creating a secure future. I am now confident we can overcome challenges and build a better life,” said Santosh Chintaman Dongre.

Anika, a 14-year-old tribal girl from Melghat, faced an uncertain future. Forced into an early marriage, her dreams of education and independence seemed shattered. However, hope arrived through the dedicated efforts of the Childline 1098 team, operated by Apeksha Homoeo Society, committed to safeguarding children’s rights.

An anonymous call alerted Childline 1098 about Anika’s impending marriage. The Apeksha-run team immediately skipped into action to prevent this injustice. They met with Anika’s family and community leaders, explaining the legal consequences of child marriage and its adverse impacts on young girls. They emphasized the importance of education and the need to allow girls to reach their full potential. Through their compassionate and persistent efforts, the childline team convinced the village leaders to call off the marriage.

This intervention by the Childline 1098 team did more than just save Anika from an early marriage; it inspired a wave of change throughout Melghat, highlighting the importance of protecting children’s rights and futures.

With a heart full of gratitude, Anika shared, “Thanks to Childline and Apeksha Homoeo Society, they saved my future. I can continue my studies and pursue my dreams.”

Rekha Santosh Todsam, a 36-year-old single mother from Nidha village in Ralegaon Taluka, Yavatmal District, faced significant financial challenges after her divorce eight years ago. Supporting her two children through daily wage labor, she earned an annual income of just Rs. 20,000 to 30,000. In May 2023,

Rekha joined the Apeksha and Bajaj Finserv CSR initiative aimed at uplifting single women through goat rearing. She participated in the Goat Rearing Group (GRG) and received training on feeding, disease control, immunization, and breed selection. This training motivated her to build a goat farm. Today, Rekha owns three goats and has transformed her initial investment of Rs. 10,000 into assets worth Rs. 22,500. With Apeksha’s training and medical assistance, she confidently cares for her goats, ensuring a steady income.

Rekha actively assists other single women in her village, inspiring them to improve their livelihoods through goat rearing.  Rekha proudly states, “I now have the confidence to live in society with dignity and make financial decisions.” Her journey is a testament to the resilience of single women striving for a better life, securing a stable income and a brighter future for her family through hard work and support.

Varsha Mangesh Talan, a 34-year-old widow from Village Warha, Teosa Taluka, faced financial hardships after her husband’s suicide. With an annual income of just Rs. 30,000 from her 3-acre dry farmland, she struggled to meet her family’s basic needs.

Apeksha Homeo Society and Bajaj Finserv introduced Varsha to the Bal Sangopan Yojana, a Maharashtra Government scheme providing financial aid to vulnerable children. With Apeksha’s guidance, she successfully enrolled, receiving Rs. 2,250 per month for each of her two children and Rs. 1,250 per month under the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana. 

This government support, combined with her daily wage earnings, allowed Varsha to achieve financial stability, providing a stable environment for her children. Her journey is a testament to the impact of effective government scheme implementation, inspiring other single mothers in her community. Varsha expresses her gratitude to Apeksha and Bajaj Finserv for their crucial support during her challenging times.