"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
10 Mar 2023
Anyone who believes in the power of grit and perseverance should find great inspiration in Akli Tudu's life. This 35-year-old woman from the Maoist stronghold of Gudabandha in Jharkhand, India, was abandoned by her husband and threatened by Maoists. She has accomplished a feat that has won her accolades far and wide.
When Akli’s husband deserted her, she returned to her maternal home and with her inner strength and confidence she integrated over 2,000 women from 120 villages and helped them become financially independent. She also played a crucial role in getting nearly 100 ponds constructed and over 1,159 ponds revived by lending technical know-how to farmers and involving village women in the tasks.
She had to face several challenges, though, and her journey was not easy. The Tagore Society visited Akli's hamlet in 2012 to organize self-help organizations. Due to the effects of water scarcity on farmers, she joined the group and later dabbled in irrigation. But, Maoists who were opposed to her efforts threatened her life when she sought assistance with irrigation facilities.
Notwithstanding these obstacles, Akli set up a trust and got financing for pond construction from CINI and the Tata Steel Foundation. Her work has had a good impact in Gudabandha, which was once a Maoist-affected region before she started working on pond-based integrated farming systems. She took on the Maoists on her own to make village women financially independent.
Akli, who serves as the chairperson of APC Gharanj Lahanti Mahila Utpadak Producer Limited Company, has aided farmers in raising their revenue by buying their goods in bulk and reselling them to consumers. According to their contributions, the profit is divided among the women, and on average, ladies make close to Rs15,000 every month.
Akli's work has not gone unnoticed, and she has received several awards, including the Social Award, Women Entrepreneur Farmer Award, Water Champion Award, and Best EPC Award from NABARD.
Akli's work has truly made a difference, and she has set an example for everyone who believes in empowering women and improving the lives of farmers. Her journey is nothing short of a superhero film, and we can all learn from her determination and perseverance.