Haveri
A woman, Rupa Shivu Ambler of Rattihalli town in the district who used to be one of the ordinary, is now a partner of Mahalakshmi Agarabatti Industries. Employing 12 women for various jobs in the industries, they have built the foundation of their lives.
A few years ago, Roopa participated in the Kshetradarshan organized by the Kshetra as a member of Dharmasthala Streeshakti Sangh. On this occasion, she was attracted by the scene of a woman sitting and making incense sticks. Encouraged by this, Rupa came to a firm decision that why should I not run an agarbatti business. With the cooperation of the locals, she started the production of agarbatti by putting an agarbatti machine.
Rupa has given work to 12 unemployed women and is paying them Rs 6,000 per month. His business, which started with a single machine, has now grown into a Rs 25 lakh business. Eight machines are in operation for making agarbatti. Besides, Rupa is making one and a half quintal of agarbatti daily from her Mahalakshmi Industries with the help of various machines including dryer to dry agarbatti. As a result, at least Rs 4-5 lakh worth of incense sticks are being sold per month. After incurring expenses towards labour, electricity, purchase of raw materials, the income is Rs 50,000 per month. Rupa says that giving work to 12 women is more satisfying than earning Rs 50,000 per month. Rupa also responds to the hardships of women working in the industry. So we all work like one family, says Rekha.
