Lalitha Bai is neither from an elite section of society nor does she represent a modern culture, but there is one thing about her that surpasses all the class barriers and speaks to the entire womanhood. It is her determination to stand out against all odds.
Life has never been easy for Lalitha Bai. Born to a poor family, she has done all the menial chores right from working in construction sites to domestic work for a living.
Fortunately, her hardship didn’t last long. Her art of constructing smokeless stoves has now put an end to all her distress.
In just four years, she has constructed around 1,350 stoves and has earned about Rs 50,000. Hailing from a remote village in Tiptur of Tumkur district, she has travelled to different places in the State to impart her knowledge on constructing stoves.
Her hard work and inquisitiveness to learn different things have helped her build a new life.
And in recognition of the grassroots enterprise development efforts and significant contribution in the field of micro enterprises, Bharati Foundation has bestowed the CII Bharati Woman Exemplar Award 2007 on Lalitha. “There were around 20 women from various places who received training in the construction of fuel efficient smokeless wood burning stove called Sarala. It was because of my keenness to learn the prowess of constructing stoves that I could start my work quickly,” says Lalitha.
Affectionately called as Volay Amma, the 46-year-old was initiated into employment by a project of TIDE (Technology Informatics Design Endeavour), an NGO aimed at imparting technical training to rural women. “I was the only person to pass out of the exam which TIDE had conducted to test our skill in making stoves,” says an elated Lalitha.
Being glad to have been one among those chosen for the training, she says: “I am grateful to BAIF. If I hadn’t been a part of it, I would have missed this great opportunity.” The BAIF had adopted more than 20 villages around Tumkur and had conducted similar training programmes in many places.
Says Lalitha: “They have taught me innovative and simple means of supporting myself and my family. The members of the group were also able to take a loan from the bank. From the money we got, every member started a small business of their own.”
Another interesting thing about this group is that they conduct training programmes every month to impart different skills to women.
A charismatic leader by nature, she was able to organise many women to join the self-help group.
Lalitha had also participated in the struggle to close down arrack shops in their village and had emerged successful.
Though Lalitha has never been to school, she believes that education is an important element that pushes a woman towards empowerment
“I was able to educate my children with the money I had got by selling stoves and I am proud that I my daughter has completed her TCH programme. She will be joining as a teacher in a government school soon,” said Lalitha.
There has been no looking back for Lalitha, as she confidently says that her dream is to start a small  enterprise with the money she has got from the award.