Pratima Jana, Hingalganj, West Bengal “When I started, I had only dreams—but no money to grow. My first loan of INR 20,000 from Arohan changed everything for me. With their support, I built a business that now serves over 250 customers, and my income has increased from INR 7,000 to INR 30,000 per month. I’m proud to be seen as an established woman in my village today. Arohan didn’t just give me money—they gave me confidence, respect, and a new identity. My family now dreams bigger, and I feel proud to be the reason for that. I’m not just growing a business—I’m shaping a better future for all of us.” Pratima Jana is a resident of Mamudpur village in Hingalganj, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. She belongs to a nuclear family and has studied up to Class VIII. Her husband works as a daily labourer, and together they support their family through her small business. Despite having the drive to grow, Pratima lacked access to financial resources. She needed capital to scale her grocery business, reach more customers, and improve her family’s livelihood. Until 2016, she had never taken a formal loan and was unsure of how to approach financial institutions. In October 2016, Pratima took her first micro loan of INR 20,000 from Arohan. It was a leap of faith - her first experience with structured credit. Arohan provided not only the loan but continuous support, helping her understand financial planning, savings, and business development. Since joining Arohan, Pratima’s business has flourished. From serving just 60–70 customers, her business grew to cater to over 250. Her monthly income rose from INR 7,000 to INR 30,000 per month. She took another loan—this time for INR 95,000—adding a Xerox and a Lamination machine to her shop, fuelling even more growth. Pratima’s success has transformed how her community sees her. She is now seen as a role model and established entrepreneur in her village. She’s not only helped her own family but has become a symbol of what rural women can achieve with the right support. Her involvement in the ArohanPrivilege program has saved her valuable time, giving her more focus to plan and expand. Pratima’s journey illustrates the power of microfinance in empowering rural women. Through Arohan’s timely support and her own perseverance, she has built not just a business, but a legacy of resilience and hope. Management Discussion & Analysis | 50 Annual Report | 2024-2025
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