I Had ₹8,000 and a Dream’: Maharashtra Woman with Disability Becomes Entrepreneur and Role Model

Summary

“I wanted to protect my child—and myself. That gave me the courage,” says Preeti Mendhe.

Preeti, from a small village in Maharashtra, lives with a 44% locomotor disability. Trapped in an abusive marriage, she returned home pregnant and penniless—but determined to build a dignified life. With support from Youth4Jobs Foundation, she received training, her disability certificate, and a small loan to grow her mobile shop business. Her income tripled. She is now an independent mother, a proud entrepreneur, and a role model for other women with disabilities.

“I didn’t just start a business—I found my voice,” she says.

 

‘From Rock Bottom to Role Model: How Preeti Mendhe Reclaimed Her Life with Dignity’

In Khatiya village, nestled in Maharashtra’s Gondia district, 29-year-old Preeti Mendhe’s journey is one of silent battles and bold choices.

Born with a 44% locomotor disability, Preeti learned early how to navigate a world that wasn’t built for her. But it was after marriage that the real storm began.

Her husband, an alcoholic, subjected her to three months of relentless physical and mental abuse. When Preeti found out she was pregnant, she made a brave, life-changing decision—she walked away. Leaving behind the violence, she returned to her parents’ home, determined to give her child a better life.

“I had nothing but ₹8,000 and a dream to stand on my own,” she says.

With that small amount, she began a modest mobile shop, selling beauty accessories in her village. The start was slow. Earnings were meagre. But Preeti refused to give up.

A new chapter begins

Everything changed when Youth4Jobs Foundation came to her village. Their team, recognizing Preeti’s grit, enrolled her in their Grassroot Academy Micro Enterprise Training program.

Through this, she received business skills training, assistance in getting her disability certificate, and a ₹20,000 loan to scale her shop. More importantly, she found mentorship and belief.

With renewed confidence, Preeti expanded her offerings—adding steel items and increasing her stock. Her shop, once small and quiet, grew into a thriving business known across 10 to 15 villages.

Independence, one sale at a time

Her monthly income tripled, from ₹3,000 to nearly ₹10,000. She began setting up stalls at large local fairs, connecting with hundreds of customers.

Today, Preeti is not just an entrepreneur. She is a mother raising her child with care, dignity, and the promise of a better tomorrow. Her journey has inspired other women—especially those with disabilities—to dream beyond survival.

“I didn’t just start a business—I found my voice,” she says with quiet pride.

More than a livelihood—a legacy

Preeti’s story is proof that when determination meets the right support, transformation is possible. From being silenced in a violent marriage to being celebrated as a successful businesswoman, she has rewritten her future.

“I want my child to grow up seeing strength, not struggle. That’s why I chose to fight.”

From a tiny shop to becoming a respected figure in her community, Preeti Mendhe stands tall—an example of what resilience, empowerment, and opportunity can do.

She once needed someone to believe in her. Today, she’s that someone for others.

 

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Students with Blindness Training at Youth4Jobs Training Centres for Persons with Disabilities