Suryamukhi Bhagyamma has always been a woman of simplicity and resilience. She lives in Bangalore with her husband, two sons, a daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. Her daughter, happily married, has found her path in life. They have been running a modest tea and snacks stall while Suryamukhi has been working as a house help for five households. Her husband and one of her sons have been working in the construction industry, while her other son has been pursuing his university degree.
The burdens of life have been weighing heavily on Bhagyamma’s shoulders. There have been loans to be cleared, especially for her son’s education. The constant worry about unexpected expenses and emergencies plagued her mind as she had no cash with her most of the time. With a desire to contribute towards easing their financial struggles, Bhagyamma has decided to join the Pollinate Group momentously.
Supported by her family, she has been overcoming her fear of interacting with people and operating technology through the training provided by Pollinate. As she has become more comfortable with the app and placing orders, a newfound confidence has blossomed within her.
The impact of the products sold by Bhagyamma has been extending far beyond Bhagyamma’s life. In her community, where access to clean electricity has not been available, the provision of lights has become a game-changer. Now, evenings have not been engulfed in darkness anymore. Cooking has become more manageable, and children can study in well-lit spaces, even after sundown. The presence of light has also ensured the safety of children playing outdoors, guarding against wandering dogs. Additionally, the fans sold by her have been offering relief from the terrible heat and helping reduce mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue.
With her increased buying power, Suryamukhi has been experiencing a newfound sense of freedom and equality within her household. Her husband has had no qualms about how she has been spending her hard-earned money, recognising her dedication and contribution. As she gradually started to clear the family’s loans and ensure her children’s well-being, a dream took shape within her heart: the dream of building a house for her family and a separate one for her son in their native village. Her earnings from Pollinate Group’s Suryamukhi program will help her achieve this dream.
Bhagyamma’s actions have inspired admiration from her family and community. Seeing her courage, her daughter-in-law supported and encouraged her in times of technological fear. From being a timid woman with a basic button phone, Bhagyamma now owns a smartphone, confidently navigating it.
Others in the community aspire to reach her level of independence and resilience. Her daughter-in-law, inspired by Bhagyamma, has started taking steps towards her personal growth. Neighbouring women, witnessing Bhagyamma’s multifaceted roles as a mother and Suryamukhi, desire the same empowerment level. Her ambitious attitude inspires them, and they want to be financially independent.
Bhagyamma’s reliability and the trust placed in her products have become legendary. People in her community turn to her, knowing she will provide quality goods. She has become a pillar of support, not just for her family but for the entire community.