Success Stories | Ishanya Foundation

Anamika Bhalerao

Support: Course in Printed Circuit Board
Placement: Dream Plast India Pvt. Ltd., Chakan, Pune
Salary: ₹13,000 /- per month

Anamika Bhalerao could only study till 12th standard due to the financial challenges her family faced. Her father, the sole provider, struggled to sustain them with farming income due to limited land. Anamika learned about IsFon's highly subsidised training and placement programmes for unemployed youth through a friend.

Motivated to enhance her skills and contribute to the family income, Anamika reached out to IsFon and decided to enroll in the PCB Assembly Operator course. On completion of the course, with the support and guidance from IsFon's placement team, Anamika confidently navigated interviews and secured a position as an Operator.

Grateful for the opportunity and support provided by IsFon and her trainers, Anamika acknowledges their pivotal role in her journey towards financial independence and family support.

Priyanka Nimse

Support: PBBSc Nursing
Placement: Surya Hospital, Pune
Salary: ₹35,000/- per month
Priyanka hails from a farming family where her father's annual income is approximately Rs 50,000 and her mother is a homemaker. Despite facing financial and academic obstacles while growing up in a less privileged community, Priyanka's determination led her to receive the Ishanya Foundation Scholarship for PBBSc Nursing at Symbiosis College of Nursing.

Completing her nursing course, Priyanka now serves as a staff nurse at Surya Hospital in Pune. Her journey from financial dependence to independence not only benefits her family but also underscores the significance of education in her life.

Priyanka expresses deep gratitude to IsFon for securing her future and enabling her to contribute positively to her family and community.

Lakshmi Rajendra Jagadhan

Support: Home Chef Course
Placement: Self Employed
Monthly Earning: ₹20,000/- to 25,000/-
At 35 years old, Lakshmi juggles the responsibilities of caring for her two teenage sons while her husband works as a driver to support the family. With financial struggles becoming a constant challenge, Lakshmi sought opportunities to improve their situation.

Turning to IsFon for assistance, Lakshmi enrolled in the Home Chef course to refine her culinary skills. Through these sessions, she not only honed her abilities in the kitchen but also gained confidence in marketing and communication.

Today, Lakshmi's journey has taken a new turn as she provides tiffin services to companies and operates live and packed food stalls. Grateful for IsFon's unwavering support, Lakshmi acknowledges their role in enabling her to meet the family's financial needs and secure a brighter future.

Vijaya Para

Support: Utensil Kit and Canteen Gas Stove
Placement: Self Employed
Monthly Earning: Increased by 11.25% from ₹16,000/- ₹18,000/-
For the past two years, Vijaya has been operating a Mess and Snacks Center in Maharashtra Housing Board, Yerawada. However, her business was facing challenges due to the poor condition of her utensils. Determined to enhance her services, Vijaya sought support from IsFon.

IsFon provided her with a new utensil kit and a canteen gas stove, enabling her to upgrade her existing business of tiffin services and party orders. With this assistance, Vijaya has expanded her enterprise into a successful mess and catering business, achieving financial independence in the process. Her monthly earnings now range between `16,000 to `18,000. Vijaya expresses gratitude to IsFon for their invaluable support in realizing her entrepreneurial ambitions.

Nami & Soma Navshya Pardhi

Village: Hedutne Tal: Panvel Dist: Raigad
Support: Wadi Establishment & Vegetable Cultivation
Nami and Soma, have a daughter named Aruna and a son named Sharad. They manage their farm while their children attend school. Initially, they solely focused on farming without cultivating vegetables.
However, with the support provided by IsFon through its Wadi project, including assistance in water resource development, provision of vegetable seeds, and training, they started cultivating vegetables. They now sell their produce at the Panvel Market, significantly adding to their family income.
By diversifying their crops to include two types of vegetables, they have minimized the risk associated with market rate fluctuations, ensuring a more stable and guaranteed income for their family.

Satyawan Sharnappa Mane

Support Type: Two-wheeler Ramp
Placement: Self Employed
Monthly Earnings: Increased by 20% from `15,000/- to `18,000/-
Satyawan Sharnappa Mane received support under the Entrepreneurship Development initiative to acquire a two-wheeler ramp, enhancing and upgrading his existing business.
“Under the Entrepreneurship Development initiative, I received support to acquire a two-wheeler ramp which was not possible for me to purchase. Due to IsFon’s help, I could enhance and upgrade my existing business which resulted in improving my monthly earnings”.

Jyoti, Prakash Dattu Gondhali

Village: Khairne Tal: Panvel
Dist: Raigad
Support: 2HP Monoblock Electric Water Pump Set
Jyoti and Prakash have one son, Pranav, who is 18 years old and enrolled in college. Previously, the family grew vegetable crops on an area of only 40R and earned an income of approximately ₹40,000/- to ₹50,000/- . After receiving support in the form of a 2HP Monoblock Electric Water Pump Set under the Wadi project, the family expanded their vegetable cultivation area. Now, they are growing vegetables on a 95 R area which fetches them an income of ₹1.32 lakh. By cultivating multiple vegetable crops, they are minimizing the risk of market rate fluctuations and sell their produce at the Panvel Market.
“We are grateful to IsFon for the Water Pump Set, which has helped us to increase our cultivable area and our income.”

Jyoti, Prakash Dattu Gondhali

Kalpana and Dasharat Janardhan Patil

Village: Sangtoli Tal: Panvel Dist: Raigad
Annual Income: ₹1,49,500/- Kalpana and Dasharat have two children. They faced financial challenges as Dasharat, a marginal farmer, solely relied on agriculture for livelihood. The uncertainty in agricultural income caused constant worry about meeting daily expenses. However, after participating in IsFon's Dairy Project, their earnings improved substantially, and it became their primary income source.
With increased earnings, they were able to renovate their house and expand their dairy business by purchasing two new cows. They express their heartfelt gratitude to IsFon for the invaluable assistance and support provided.

Mayur Kedari

Support: Assembly Assistant Operator Course
Placement: Magna Automotive Pvt. Ltd., Chakan
Salary: ₹14,700/- per month
Hailing from a small village where farming was the mainstay of his family's income, Mayur recognised the financial challenges they faced. Driven by a desire to improve their circumstances, he embarked on a journey to secure a brighter future.

Enrolling in the Assembly Assistant Operator Course at Skill Training Centre in Lonavala, Mayur dedicated himself to mastering the skills necessary for success. Upon completing the course, he secured a promising placement which helped in significantly contributing to his family's financial stability.

Expressing heartfelt gratitude to IsFon for the invaluable opportunity, Mayur says his achievements have become a beacon of hope in his community. His story inspires other youngsters to explore skill-oriented training and embrace opportunities beyond conventional paths.

Sofiyan Shaikh

Support: Certificate Course in Refrigerator and AC Mechanics
Placement: Haier Pvt. Ltd.
Salary: ₹13,500/- per month
Sofiyan, completed his 12th standard amidst financial constraints. With his father managing a modest tea stall earning a meagre `40,000/- annually, and his mother taking care of the household while his younger sister pursues her studies, Sofiyan felt compelled to contribute to his family's welfare.

Driven by this determination, Sofiyan explored opportunities for skill development and livelihood enhancement. Learning about the diverse courses offered by IsFon, he enrolled in the Certificate Course in Refrigerator and AC Mechanics. Sofiyan successfully completed the programme.

Sofiyan attributes his newfound financial stability to the placement secured through assistance from the IsFon team and expresses his heartfelt gratitude for the same. His ability to support his family financially stands as a testament to the transformative impact of skill development initiatives.

Dinesh Shankarrao Shete

Support Type: KNC Air Compressor with Motor
Placement: Self Employed
Monthly Earnings: Increased by 28.5% from `14,000/- to `18,000/-
Dinesh Shankarrao Shete was assisted under the Entrepreneurship Development programme to acquire a KNC Air Compressor with motor, leading to the enhancement and upgrade of his existing business.

“I received support from the Ishanya Foundation who helped me to get a KNC Air Compressor with the motor. This has helped me in my business as I could serve my customers better. I am grateful to IsFon for their help. As a result, my monthly earnings have improved which is helping me take care of my family”.

Roshni Abhimanyu Alimakar

Support: B.Sc. in Optometry
Placement: Titan Eye Plus, Vashi
Salary: ₹25,000/- per month
Roshni comes from an economically disadvantaged background, where her mother is a homemaker and her brother is pursuing his studies in SYBA. The family's financial struggles made it challenging for Roshni to pursue her dream of studying Optometry.

However, with the financial assistance provided by IsFon, Roshni's aspirations became attainable. She was able to enrol in Laxmi College of Optometry and successfully complete her studies. Securing a position as an Optometrist at Titan Eye Plus in Vashi, Roshni now not only supports her family but also contributes towards her brother's education.

Kalibai, Shravan Manglya Bhagat

Village: Khairwadi Tal: Panvel Dist: Raigad
Support: Established Mango Orchard
Kalibai and Shravan have one son. They rely on agriculture and allied activities for their livelihood. Currently, Shravan is employed temporarily at Taloja MIDC.
Initially, they cultivated paddy for sustenance. However, with the intervention of IsFon's Wadi project, they transitioned to mangoes, significantly boosting their earnings. Now, with the successful cultivation and sale of mango fruits from their farm, their income has increased nearly three to fourfold compared to before.
The family expresses their gratitude to IsFon and its dedicated team for their invaluable guidance and support throughout the process.

Bharti & Anil Rama Pardhi

Village: Mohadar Tal: Panvel Dist: Raigad Support: Established Mango Orchard & Mango Graft Nursery Bharti and Anil have two sons, Bharat and Pavan. Both are enrolled in primary school. They had a land which was a wasteland. Earning daily wages from construction sites was their only source of livelihood. After the Wadi intervention, they started earning additional income from vegetables.
“Ishanya Foundation provided us with training for mango grafting and nursery management. With these new skills, we started a mango graft nursery.
Both vegetable cultivation and mango graft nursery have become our additional source of income. Thank you Ishanya Foundation for providing us with the required skill and support.”

Lalita and Vitthal Dharma Keni

Village: Pethali
Tal: Panvel Dist: Raigad
Annual Income: ₹ 3,43,000/- Lalita and Vitthal are parents to a son and two daughters. They faced financial challenges as Vitthal, a landless farmer, worked as a porter at a railway station. Their modest income made it difficult to cover their children's education, marriage, and household expenses.
However, with the assistance of IsFon's Dairy Project, they now enjoy a stable and substantial income, which has become the primary source of support for their family. Due to the earnings from dairy farming, they were able to afford their son's education, arrange marriages for both daughters and enhance their quality of life. Lalita and Vitthal express their gratitude to IsFon for the transformative impact it has had on their lives.

Kanubai and Dattatray Gosavi Gaikar

Village: Waklan Taluka: Thane District: Thane
Support Type: Free Cataract Surgery Kanubai is a homemaker and her husband Dattatray is a daily wage labourer. Both faced challenges due to blurry vision affecting their ability to work comfortably.
Learning about IsFon's sponsored cataract surgeries at an eye camp in Waklan, they sought help. After the initial examination, they were referred to Laxmi Charitable Trust for further treatment. Kanubai underwent surgery for both eyes, while Dattatray had one eye treated. With improved vision post-surgery, they now lead better lives.

Ms. Priyanka Soma Ghoirat

Support: Sponsorship for Manual Insertion Operator Course
Placement: Associate Trainee at Aptive Automotive, Chakan, Pune
Salary: 15,141/- per month

Ms. Priyanka is a tribal from Tirpad, Ambegaon, Pune. There is no job oriented technical training centre near her home. Her father is the only working member in the family and earns just 4,000/- per month through farming and hence they were in a diﬃcult ﬁnancial situation.

IsFon sponsored her course and she successfully passed the certiﬁcate course in ‘Manual Insertion Operator’. She was immediately absorbed as ‘Associate – Trainee’ at Aptive Automotive, Chakan, Pune with a salary of 15,141/- per month.

the happiest person today and she can comfortably take care of her family. Her parents are proud as she is the only girl earning in her village. She is thankful to IsFon for guiding her and showing her the way to self-suﬃciency and economic independence

Ms. Pooja Shivaji Yede Support: Sponsorship given for Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing from Symbiosis College of Nursing Placement: Staﬀ Nurse at D.Y. Patil Hospital, Pune Salary: 22,000/- per month

Pooja’s father is a construction worker earning a meagre 60,000/- per year while her mother is a housewife. They live together in their own kaccha house. Pooja completed her GNM and worked for one year at City Care Hospital but always had

the dream for pursuing Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing which she was able to do through a scholarship from Ishanya Foundation. Today, Pooja is a qualiﬁed staﬀ nurse at D. Y. Patil Hospital earning 22,000/- per month.

Mr. Kishor Jadhav Support: Sponsorship given for Assistant Operator Course Placement: Trainee at Motherson Automotive Technologies in Chakan, Pune Salary: 14,500/- per month

Kishor is from Ghargaon, Tal-Sangamner, Dist. Ahmednagar- a tribal area. His father is the only earning member in his family.After completing an ‘Assistant Operator Course’ sponsored by IsFon, Kishor got a job as a ‘Trainee’ with Motherson Automotive Technologies in Chakan, Pune and draws a salary of 14,500/- per month. This has given him conﬁdence and a positive approach towards life. He says that due to his job, he has seen a complete change in the outlook of his family; his father is happier and more relaxed. He is very thankful to IsFon and is eager to share his experience with his friends.

Mrs. Sonam Baban Pardhi Support: Basic tailoring course Earning: 6,000/- per month

Sonam is 18 years old staying with four other members in her family. Her father is the only earning member and is working at Taloja MIDC at a modest salary.

Sonam wanted to support her family ﬁnancially. She came to know about IsFon’s tailoring course and enrolled for it. The course helped her gain conﬁdence to hone her stitching skills and ﬁnd the courage to start her own enterprise of stitching fashionable saree blouses. Now she is earning 6,000/- per month.

Mrs. Aarti Subhash Bhoir Support: Sponsorship of fees for Diploma in Optometry Earning: 15,000/- per month

Aarti’sAarti’s family consists of two sisters, one brother and mother who is a house wife. Her family was going through a diﬃcult time. Yet, Aarti had a keen desire to study. In 2014, she took admission for Diploma in Optometry in Panvel.

Due to ﬁnancial constraints, she approached Ishanya Foundation for help. IsFon provided the much needed ﬁnancial support under the Vocational Skills Development Project. After completing her course, she is now working as an Optometrist in Sunshine Eye Care Hospital, in Khopoli which is a great help to her family

Mrs. Ragini Patil, Tiﬃn Service Earning 10,500/- per month.

Mrs. Ragini Patil was in the ‘Tiﬃn Service’ business at Bharatnagar, Alandi Road, Pune for 5 years but was unable to meet the demands of her existing customers as her utensils were very old and damaged. After she approached IsFon oﬃce and explained her situation, she was given a whole set of utensils, and a commercial gas stove of a bigger capacity.

Within a few days, her business earnings increased to 10,500/- per month. She says that due to IsFon, her customers are now happy and she has got a new vigour to serve her customers.

Mr. Sudam Pandit, Handcart Earning 20,000/- per month.

Sudam runs a vada pav and tea business on a roadside rented handcart in Vishrantwadi, Pune since past 5 years. The business would fetch him about 12,000/- per month. as customers would hesitate to come to him looking at the sorry state of his handcart. He contacted IsFon for help. IsFon supported Sudam with a new handcart with enclosure on top to upgrade his business

Today, he is able to attract more customers and his income has increased to 20,000/- per month. Sudam is thankful to IsFon for their timely help.

Mr. Deepak Shantram Pardi, Barber Shop Earning 10,500/- per month.

Deepak has his own barber shop at Bhalyachiwadi village in Panvel. Earlier he had an old style wooden chair for his customers. Besides, his shop was not equipped with latest trimmer and massage machine. As a result the youngsters used to go to other surrounding villages for an haircut and massage.

After IsFon’s intervention, his shop was equipped with a proper barber chair, a good trimmer and massage machine. This change helped him to add young customers from his village and increased his daily income from 150/- to 350/- per day.

Mrs. Nikita Nisikat Jage, Handcart Earning 15,000/- per month.

Nikita is 37 years old and has a son and a daughter. She belongs to an economically weaker section and is the only earning member in the family. Earlier she had a tough time meeting her family needs. She wanted to do something to provide ﬁnancial support to her family. She used to prepare snacks on a small table in front of her house in Chindran village in Panvel and sell them to customers. During monsoons and summer, it was diﬃcult for her to sell as the food items were in the open.

Nikita approached IsFon and requested for a handcart under its Entrepreneurship Development Program. IsFon provided support in purchasing a handcart. As a result, she is now mobile and sells her food items in two places in the village. Besides, even during monsoons and summer her business is not aﬀected. Nikita says she is happy because her income has increased from 200/- to 500/- per day and is indebted to IsFon’s timely help.

Livelihood Enhancement through Entrepreneurship Development Entrepreneurship Support to Anubhuti Foundation and Maa Kaamakshya SHG With the support of a Food Dryer, apricots and ﬁgs can be dried. Also curry leaves, tomatoes can be dried, preserved and sold in the market nearby since there is a huge demand for the same. The sale of the additional produce will result in additional income generation for the SHG members. Support of Food Dryer to Maa Khamakhya SHG, Himachal Pradesh

Equipment provided by IsFon to Anubhuti Foundation resulted in 50% saving in cost of making pickle masalas.

Name of Beneﬁciary:Mrs. Nami Soma & Mr. Soma Navshya PardhiVillage:Hedutne,Tal:Panvel,Dist.:Raigad Nami and Soma have two sons. Sharad, the elder son is in second year of ITI while Arun, their younger son is in 10th class. Both the children also help the parents in the farms. Before the wadi plantation, their land was uncultivable and therefore could not fetch any income. After the visit by the IsFon staﬀ and providing all help in fertilizer and plant protection application, the land started to yield results, generating additional income from mangoes and vegetables. IsFon’s support was very helpful as the livelihood of the family is dependent on agriculture and allied activities.

Name of Beneﬁciary: Mrs. Savitri & Mr. Namdev Appa SapreVillage: Khairwadi Tal: Panvel Dist: Raigad

Crop: Mango No. of grafts: 1,013 No. of grafts consumed in own farm:- Sold qty in nos912 Rate per graft: 78 Total Income: 71,136

Crop: Jasmine No. of grafts: 1,494No. of grafts consumed in own farm: 350 Sold qty in nos991 Rate per graft: 10Total Income: 9,910 total income: 81,046

Prior to enrollment: As a student, Vrudali faced certain financial issues to sustain her studying and realised that she would need to enhance her skills to then better qualify her job opportunities.

Post joining Ishanya Foundation: After successfully completing the CCIT course, she secured a placement with Aegies Ltd., Pune, with a starting salary of `9,000 per month. She knows she has benefitted and made the right decision as she is able to pay her college fees and support her family through her earnings.

Name of Aspirant: Mrs. Jayshri Sajjan, Mr. Sajjan Govardhan Pawar

Village: Kanpoli,Tal:Panvel, Dist.: Raigad

Plantation Year (Marigold Flowers): 2021-22 Cultivated Area @R: 05Self consumption quantity (Kg): 5.5 Sold quantity in Kg335.50 Avg. rate of ﬂowers per KG.: 60.00Total Income: 20,130

Sajjan and Jayshri have a daughter studying in 8th class and son in 6th class. The daughter helps them in the farm work during vacations. Agriculture is their main source of income. After training and seed support, Jayshri and Sajjan started ﬂoriculture farming and changed their cropping pattern. Due to this intervention, they got more income other than what they earned through the regular crops. Hence they decided to continue ﬂoriculture farming and are encouraging other farmers for ﬂoriculture.

Name of Participant : Mrs. Gangabai Ragho Gondhali, Mr. Ragho Tukaram Gondhali

Village: : Khairne Tal.: Panvel

Dist. : Raigad

Support Given : 2 cows; B-8 & B-10 Medicine Kit; Training; Exposure

Asset Created : 3 calves are in milking, 1 calf 2 yrs old, 1 calf I month old( 1,35,000/-)

Milk Yield : Total milk produced: 4,900 Ltr Home & Calf Consumption: 1,810 Ltr.

Total Income from Sale of Milk : Milk sold: 3,090 Ltr @ 40/- per Ltr.

Annual Income : 1,23,600/-

Gangabai and Ragho have two sons who are working on temporary basis in a private company and one daughter who is married. The family is a marginal land holder. Ragho being illiterate, could not get a job on regular basis. However, after dairy intervention from IsFon, his income improved substantially which helped him in his children’s education and to get them married. Done to the steady income generated by the IsFon’s dairy project, there is now no need for him to look out for a job.

Name of Participant:Mrs. Nalini Vishwanath Patil & Mr. Vishwanath Sitaram Patil

Village: Kumbarli,Tal:Ambarnath, Dist.: Thane

Support Given : 2 Cows; B-45 & B-47 Medicine Kit; Training; Exposure

Asset Created : 2 male calves & 1 female calf 1 month old ( 15,000/-)

Milk Yield : Total milk produced: 5,460 Ltr.

Total Income from Sale of Milk : Milk sold: 3,260 Ltr. @ � 40/- per Ltr.

Annual Income : 1,30,400/- lac

Nalini and Vishwanath have three daughters, Kasturi 11 yrs. (5th std.), Prajakta 7 yrs. (2nd std.) and Ishwari 3 yrs old. Vishwanath is a marginal farmer and due to the uncertainty in climatic conditions, he is not able to generate suﬃcient income from his farm. So he started the dairy

business with the help of IsFon. Due to the training by IsFon on the Dairy project along with Isfon’s door step support on vaccination, etc., he is able to get regular income and is successful in this business.

Snehal of 18 batch of beautician course employed with Urban Clap earning more than `40,000 per month sharing her experience and motivating the aspirants to take up employment.

Sunita Patil (36 years old) is a resident of Kuttarpada Village. Financial difficulties have been an issue of her family as her husband who is a daily wage labourer is unable to meet the expenses of his wife and three children.

Determined to support her husband, Sunita learnt about Ishanya Foundation’s vocational program for which she enrolled. The tailoring vocational course, part of the women empowerment initiatives at the Foundation in the rural areas of Raigad District enables women gain financial stability and enhanced skills to employability.

Sunita learnt stitching various types of blouses (simple, katori and fashionable blouse styles apart from fall hemming on sarees). Confident, Sunita started her own business from home, witnessing financial gains of about `5,000 per month. Additional support was provided by the Foundation to repair her tailoring machine. This additional source of income benefitted the family immensely, providing an employment opportunity for her, schooling for her kids and an overall better standard of living for the family.

Dhanaji Bairagi

Mr. Dhanaji Bairagi, resident of Wadgaonsheri: “I joined the CCIT course at Ishanya Foundation since I was in need of a job. The end result of the course was beyond my expectations. IsFon not only taught me the course but my entire personality changed and after five months, I was a confident young man ready to take up the job and face any challenges of life. I passed through various level of exam at IBM and got successfully employed with a salary of `10,500/- for which I feel very proud of and am able to support my family”.

Poonam Ovhal

Ms. Poonam Ovhal, a resident of Lohegaon: “Being a housewife and a 12th grade pass out, I thought I will never be able to support my husband who was working as a driver to meet the financial expenses of my family. It is then IsFon approached me at my doorstep and encouraged me to take up the CCIT course and later support with employment. I did not think twice and immediately joined the CCIT course. The spoken English and personality development classes further added wings to my dream. Now I am successfully employed with Renu Communications with a salary of `12,000/- per month”.

Suvidha Shelke

Ms. Suvidha Shelke resident of Katraj: “I always had the dream of pursuing PB B.Sc Nursing from the best college in India but alas could not do so after my GNM due to financial problem in my family. It was then I came to know about the scholarship being offered by IsFon. I applied for the scholarship and got selected. My happiness knew no bounds. IsFon and Symbiosis College of Nursing moulded me to a complete good human being ready to take care of others. I am now employed at Rao Nursing Home with a salary of `16,000/- per month through which I am able to support the tuition class of my brother and support my parents too. Thank you Ishanya Foundation”.

Afreen Maniyar – 24th Batch of Beautician , 10th Fail

Afreen was a housewife. She was referred by an employee from CMD’s office of DFPCL. Her husband is an auto rickshaw driver. She is a mother of two children. She was referred by a woman who motivated her to take up course at IsFon and make her career as a beautician. Being from a conservative family, IsFon spoke to her husband about her future plans and the need to allow her to work after completion of the course. Her husband agreed, since it was also becoming difficult for him to meet the expenses due to less income and to give good education to their children.

After successfully completing the course, she got a job in Envivo Lounge Salon, Viman Nagar, which is Biggest and Hi end Salon in Viman Nagar. She started with `7,000/- salary per month plus `2,500/- incentive and now her salary has been increased to `12,000/- pm.
“I had never been out of the house I will never forget IsFon who changed my life and also my family who encouraged, supported and motivated me and made me believe that with hard work and determination everything is possible.”

Ms. Shabeena Shaikh

Ms. Shabeena Shaikh, 10th Std. fail and residing at Nagpur Chawl: “Being from a conservative family, I was never allowed to move out of house expect for some time during which I have been working with IGP as co-ordinator Ms. Sujata Shinde of IsFon for the last eight years is stitching IsFon gifting products. I always had the passion to do more stitching work & earn more income but since I did not have a sewing machine, I could not pursue my dreams. I then approached IsFon for sewing machine and now I have the latest model of sewing machine which will help me to earn income from home”.

Alka Dhotre

Alka Dhotre, 12th pass, residing at Barma Cell: “My family had never encouraged me to study and take up job though I wanted to do something in life to be financially independent. IsFon encouraged me and counselled my parents after which I joined the beautician course, completed the course and got employed. After having worked for more than two years, I wanted to start my own parlour but did not have the monetary resources. I always knew that I can at anytime knock at the doors of IsFon. IsFon welcomed me with open arms, encouraged and supported me with equipments to start my own parlour, I am now a proud owner of a parlour which was only possible with the support of IsFon”.

Activity : Vegetable Cultivation | Year of Participation : 2015

Name : Mr. Changya Goma Pardhi & Mrs. Bebi Changya Pardhi

Village : Karambeli, Panvel Taluka, Dist. Raigad | Profile : 0.5 acre land (Wadi + Vegetable)

“IsFon introduced me with the best practices for cultivating different types of vegetables due to which my yield and income increased. Constant support and motivation from IsFon was a blessing to me and my family. Initially I used to grow paddy once a year and used to migrate to the city after harvest. But now there is no need for me to shift to the city as I do vegetable cultivation which fetches me good income and also serves as a healthy nutritious food for my family.

Vegetable Crop : Cucumber

Plantation Season : Rabi

Cultivation Area @ R : 08

Average Yield in Kg : 1850

Average Income : `37,000

Activity : Kitchen Garden

Year of Participation : 2015

Name : Mrs. Manjula Pardhi & Mr. Shantaram Pardhi

Village : Balwadi Village from Raigad district.

Profile : 0.5 acre land (Wadi + Vegetable)

Family Profile : 2 sons - 8 & 6th Std Class & 2 Daughters - 9 & 5th Std Class

Name of Seed Type in Kit : Ashgourd, Chilli, Brinjal, Beans, Dolichos and Bhindi

Home Consumption Quantity in Kg : 28

Sold Quantity in Kg : 43

Total Harvested Quantity in Kg : 71

Average Rate : 35

Total Income : `2,485

“ IsFon supported me to cultivate vegetables which were not readily available for me to purchase. These 8 types of vegetables helped to add the nutritional content in our diet which also saved my family’s income. This became possible only through constant guidance and motivation from IsFon.”

“ I was a housewife and always had the dream of learning tailoring and earning income to support the financial needs of my family. I was then approached by IsFon who were conducting the class at Pale. I completed the course and am earning `9,500/-per month. I have also purchased fall bidding machine as per demand from customers . My dream became true only due to IsFon”

Activity : Tailoring Class

Name of Student : Sandya Sanjay Bolande, 8th Pass Village: Mahalungi

Duration of Class : 3 Months Basic Class & 1 Month Advance Course

Support Given : Tailoring Course; Repairing of Machine Advance Tailoring Course

Average Monthly Income : `9,500

Annual Income : `1,14,000

Impact : Improve standard of living; purchase New fall beading machine & other home appliances and Providing good education to children.

“Our life changed after IsFon came to our doorstep. After knowing our financial condition, IsFon encouraged and supported us with two cows and now our asset have increased to four cows. Because of the dairy activity I can give good education to my children and the overall standard of living of my family is improved

Activity : Dairy

Year : 2015

Name of Participant : Mrs. Lalita Vithhal Keni & Mr. Vithhal Dharma Keni

Village : Pethali, Dist. Raigad

Profile : 1 son & 1 daughter - student

Support Given : 2 cows, medicine kit, training & exposure

Asset Created : 2 Female calves worth `25,000

Average Milk Per Day : 20 lit.

Rate of Milk : `40

Income/Month per month : `24,000

Activity : Eye Check-up Camp ( Cataract Operated)

Name of Patients : Raibai Kashinath Thale, age 62 years.

Village : Wavanje

Date of Cataract Operated and Eye : 9th January, 2018 and Left Eye

Mrs. Raibai Thale lives with her daughter and Son in law, who is the earning member of family. Her vision is very less since last year. ( Left Eye)

“My daughter took me to be Eye Check-up Camp conducted by IsFon. I had the problem of lower vision. At the camp I was detected with cataract. Isfon sponsored for the cataract surgery. My biggest happiness is that I can see and now I am independent to carry the daily chores which became possible through IsFon.”

Shilpa Shinde - An aspirant of Ishanya Foundation and now a Muskaan Paree

Prior to enrollment: Shilpa was just a homemaker, who was keen to contribute financially and better the living conditions for herself and her family.

Post joining Ishanya Foundation: Empowered by enrolling in the Muskaan Initiative, as a Muskaan Paree she now earns and supports her family, bringing smiles to her family and her community.

Mr Phadtare of Samruddhi Agro group speaking at YRNF 2015

Samruddhi Agro Group

Tatyasaheb Ramchandra Phadtare with an agricultural background began his career in marketing. Additionally, he trained beneﬁciaries of SHG groups in packaging of products, which gave him the idea to start his own business. Eager to make healthy jowar products which are gluten free like Jowar Rava, Ready to eat Shankarpali and Chakali, Jowar ﬂakes, Chivda , he was able to successfully start this venture in the year 2012. The SHG was invited to participate at the Yellow Ribbon NGO Fair. The marketing of the products was done by another SHG group. Later on in the year 2013, the enterprise took to marketing themselves.

YRNF gave them the platform with high end customers and a breakthrough with a direct interaction with Dorabjee Retail. YRNF served as the platform from where he was identiﬁed and selected by Dorabjee, leading to his products being put on display and sold from their store. Subsequently, he expanded to supply his products to over 123 stores in Pune and also registered with online stores like Amajon, Paytm, BigBasket. Several dieticians also recommend his products. He now earns an income of approx. Rs 1.5 lacs per month. Having being awarded the third prize at YRNF with a cash award of Rs 10,000, Mr Phadtare recalls ”It was only through the YRNF platform that the group got exposure to the retail market”.

Activity : Sponsorship for job oriented courses

Name of Student : Ms. Devshree Ridhlan - “I could pursue B.Sc. Optometry only through the scholarship support from IsFon”

Name of Degree : B.Sc. Optometry | Year of Support : 2014 - 16 | Support Amount : 1.64 Lacs (80%)

Name of Placement Organisation : Laxmi Charitable Trust, Panvel | Name of Designation: B.Sc. Optometry

Monthly Salary : `18,000/-

LAXMAN CHAUDHARI resident of Nitlas Village in Raigad District enrolled in the Wadi project in 2015 for the vegetable cultivation. With assist from Ishanya Foundation for the vegetable seed (sponge gourd) and support extended for a disel engine of Rs 6,000/-, he has successfully sold 1550 kg of vegetables earning a total income of Rs 31,000/- for the year.

Highlights of this program as beneﬁcial to the farmers and their families:

Wadi Model: 30 Mango/ Wadi; Keshar Variety + Bamboo + Vegetable
Starting Year: 2012
Project Area: Tal. Panvel Dist. Raigad
Villages Covered: 14
Project Support: 05 Yrs.
Families Covered: 266 (Tribals- 198 & OBC-68 Families)

Kavita Randhavi – All smiles with her new found vocation

KAVITA RANDHAVI (32 Years) of Ambe Village,Raigad District lives with her husband and son. The family survived on the daily wages earned by her husband as employed with a private ﬁrm. With expenses rising, Kavita was keen to work and additionally add to the family kitty. She then enhanced her tailoring skills and was fortunate to acquire her mother’s sewing machine.

She started by stitching charging very nominal charges and was fortunate to receive a lot of orders due to the high quality of the garments. Today she runs a successful business and earns that secondary source of income making a marked difference to not just her life but for her family as well.

Smt. Bhimabai Arivale (72 Years) of Mhalungi village, lives with her son and his family. Suffering from cataract for over the last two years. With additional neglect from her due to a ﬁnancial constraint and no time from her son and daughter-in-law as their focus was diverted to their paddy and vegetable cultivation ﬁelds, her cataract operation was periodically postponed. Her eyesight suffered acutely causing her inability to differentiate between darkness and light.

Bhimabhai – Recovering from a successful & long overdue cataract operation

An Eye Check up Camp conducted by Ishanya Foundation in Mhalungi Village, enabled identify her immediate health need, which was addressed by counselling her family members. Within four days of visiting the camp, all arrangements were made to ensure immediate attention given to her deteriorating health condition. Post the cataract operation, Bhimabhai recovered well gaining her eyesight.

She and her family remain ever grateful to Ishanya Foundation for bringing back light into her world.

Punam Bhoir - A successful entreprenuer

PUNAM BHOIR (18 Years) of Ambe Village, Raigad District lives with her parents, sister and brother. With just one earning member in the family, her father who works as a contractual labourer with a private company, his salary of Rs 8000/0 a month was not sufﬁcient to meet the household and education expenses. Punam enrolled for the tailoring course with Ishanya Foundation, specializing in saree blouse tailoring in particular.

Acquiring a sewing machine from her mother’s SHG, Punam now runs her home boutique catering to the tailoring needs of those in her village and surrounding areas. Enjoying her new found skills and job, helps her take home an additional salary of Rs 90,000/- per anum which has transformed the lifestyle of her family. She is ever grateful to Ishanya Foundation for providing her the stepping stone to enhance her family’s income and status.

Dhyneshwar bhoir attending to his cows

SHANTABAI & DHYNESHWAR BHOIR of Ova Village in Raigad District beneﬁtted through the 2 cows and additional training exposures and medicine kit. Sustainable income generation of Rs 880/- per day through a yield of an average 22 litres of milk per day which has brought about a positive impact to their lives.

YASHODA & DHONDU KENI of Pethali Village enrolled for the Dairy Development Program at Ishanya Foundation to acquire two cows. With his initial holding of a small piece of land wherein he was able to grow a marginal crop of paddy for home consumption and two buffaloes, acquiring the cow enabled him many folds. Apart from cattle management skills, fodder cultivation and dairy management. Napier Grass and Para Grass fodder cultivation yielded saving of Rs 15,000/- per month and additionally increasing the quality of milk being sold by him. All the milk collected is sold at an average of Rs 50/- per litre enhancing his monthly income which has made Yashodha & Dhondu Keni dairy business a sustainable success.

Yashoda & Dhondu Keni with their new found dairy buisness