In 2019, Tiloka’s life took a dramatic turn. Her husband fell gravely ill and lost his job, leaving her to manage their three young children on her own. Despite these challenges, Tiloka stood strong, determined to create a better future for herself and her children. Today, she speaks with pride and confidence, reflecting on her journey.
Tiloka Devi, from a middle-class family in Namkum block, Ranchi, had completed her higher secondary education and was a homemaker. Her husband, who was involved in business, became paralyzed due to severe health issues and passed away in November 2023. Her eldest daughter Poonam pursued a BSc, while her younger daughter Akansha and son Nikhil continued their studies, traveling 20 kilometers daily to college. All three children are now pursuing higher studies in different places, leaving Tiloka alone at home.
Years ago, Tiloka and her family moved to town to provide their children with a quality education. “The aspiration of educating our children well and earning a decent living was our top priority,” Tiloka recalls. Initially, the family was financially comfortable, and Tiloka focused on her home and children. Though she had been part of a Self-Help Group (SHG) named “Om Shanti Om” since 2017, she had never felt the need to work. However, her husband’s declining health forced her to seek employment.
Tiloka took a loan of Rs 1.5 lakh from the SHG, investing Rs 60,000 in dairy farming. Her hard work in dairy farming earned her Rs 12,000 per month. To repay the loan and support her family, Tiloka sought a permanent job. In 2019, she met Sameya, a mobilizer from the Jharkhand Livelihoods Promotion Society, who guided her to the Parinaama Development Foundation. There, she learned mushroom cultivation from Seva Bharti, a local organization. This led her to a role as a trainer and community mobilizer in Ranchi.
With this permanent job, Tiloka repaid her SHG loan and managed her household and her children’s education expenses. Despite the loss of her husband, Tiloka ensured her children did not suffer, providing them with a good life and fulfilling their needs. She attributes her resilience to the support of her community, SHG, and neighbors. “Community support, family support, and motivation are real treasures in a person’s life,” she says. Grateful to Parinaama for giving her a break when she was lost, Tiloka continues to thrive, supported by her network of caring individuals.
“I am eternally thankful to Parinaama for giving me that break in my life when I was almost clueless about what to do. Today, I can continue to thrive,” she says with a bright smile.
