Banumathi, 48, has two grown children, 22 and 20 one of whom studies at an industrial training institute. Her husband’s day labor work in farming brings in 25,000 rupees ($560) per year. Before she took a loan in 2004 with PAT, the family often went without food and continued to live in a “low-roofed” dwelling (just thatch and dirt floor), so they could educate the children.

Banumathi, very sadly, had to sell her “precious little [gold] ornaments” and all their livestock. She had to borrow money from money lenders at high rates of interest when she experienced a set back in her business.

Now having utilized several loans she sees hope in the future. She plans to purchase a Xerox machine to add to her grocery and fancy store. The schools and a government registry office nearby will make use of the Xerox machine for making copies of documents. This increase in visits will also bring more business to the grocery and fancy store. She could then employ two more people to work there.

Banumathi sees herself playing a leading role in helping the women in her self help group improve their economic condition.