Sunita Kumbhar

Art of making sculptors is not one of the best business for a living for traditional artisans, though it gives immense pleasure for the artist. In rural Maharashtra, one of the traditional jobs of local people is making sculptors, especially idols of various gods and legends like Shivaji Maharaj and Babasaheb Ambedkar. These sculptors, made of mud, wood and other materials are widely made by skilled workers across the state. 49-year-old housewife turned sculptor Sunita Kumbhar from Ichalkaranji is in the business for the last three decades.

Her business struggled to sustain a couple of years back due to financial constraints. It was her association with Muthoot Microfin at that time which helped her revive her business and help it grow. Sunita approached many financiers for fund during the struggling period but was repeatedly rejected.

One of her friends told her about Muthoot Microfin at that time and she soon joined a JLG and availed the first cycle loan of _10,000 from Muthoot. She utilised the money to procure quality raw materials and worked hard to turnaround her business. Gradually, her earnings began to increase and hit around _ 2000/week from a meagre _400 before the loans. With the increased earnings from business and subsequent loans from Muthoot Microfin, she steadily expanded the business and also started a tailoring unit adjacent to her home. She now employs two neighbours at the shop. Today, both her businesses are doing well, and she has set a goal of keeping on expanding her businesses to reach a target of _10,000 weekly profit.

The present lockdown however has affected her business, but with more Ganesh idol production, targeting the upcoming festivals, she believes, she will be able to manage the crisis. Meantime, Muthoot Microfin has also offered her moratorium on the loan in line with RBI advisory. Sunita says that, with Muthoot Microfin’s support, her prospects have improved immensely. All her stress is gone and today she has nothing but optimism for both her businesses, and for her family’s future. She wishes to keep her association with Muthoot Microfin for all her future endeavours and ambitions.