Change Story of a Nutrition Gardener – Pratima Mondal

Jagadish Ghosh – From Factory Labourer to Agroecological Farmer

Through this nutrition garden, Pratima’s household expenses on vegetables have reduced considerably, enabling the family to spend more on other essential needs. She believes that consuming organically grown vegetables helps families remain healthy and reduces dependence on market produce.

Her entire family actively supports the garden by helping prepare vermicompost, maintaining organic cultivation practices, and regularly clearing weeds. By joining the nutrition gardening group, Pratima learned sustainable organic farming techniques and understood the importance of reducing plastic waste. She became aware that plastic pollution in ponds damages water quality, harms fish and small aquatic organisms, reduces pond depth, and contributes to water scarcity during extreme heat, ultimately affecting vegetable cultivation and livelihoods.

Alongside environmental awareness, Pratima also gained knowledge about the harmful impacts of child marriage. She learned that early marriage deprives girls of education, recreation, and personal growth opportunities. She is now aware of the legal marriage age — 18 years for girls and 21 years for boys — and knows that incidents of child marriage can be reported through Childline 1098.

Pratima’s journey reflects how nutrition gardening not only improves household nutrition and income but also strengthens environmental consciousness, family participation, and social awareness within the community.

Pratima Mondal has gradually transformed herself from a homemaker into an active community leader, nutrition gardener, and social awareness advocate through her involvement in community groups and collective activities.

Over time, she developed skills in year-round vegetable cultivation and organic farming practices. Alongside farming, she actively participates in cultural programmes by reciting poetry and singing during small community events. She also learned to create awareness through wall writings in the village on organic farming, vegetable cultivation, climate change, and prevention of child marriage.

As part of social awareness initiatives, Pratima participated in rallies against child marriage and campaigns promoting climate action and environmental protection. Through these activities, she reduced the use of plastic in her own life and encouraged others in the community to avoid plastic waste and adopt environmentally friendly practices.

Her role as a group leader strengthened her confidence and leadership abilities. She learned how to guide others, speak in meetings, and raise issues related to women’s rights and social justice. Through various training sessions, she became aware of the harmful impacts of child marriage and has since warned and counselled many families in her locality. She also gained the courage to protest whenever incidents of injustice or violence occur in neighbouring households.

As a member of Angra Muri Nab Diganta Joint Forum, Pratima became more confident in interacting officially with Panchayat representatives, police stations, and block-level offices. Participating in collective forums helped her overcome hesitation and improved her communication skills with government institutions.

During programmes organised on women’s rights and prevention of violence against women, she performed poetry and songs collectively at Chandrahati Health Centre ground, helping spread awareness through cultural expression.

Pratima shared that her family’s economic condition was once very difficult, especially during the lockdown period. During that time, she received support in the form of essential food items through relief and control systems. She also received five chicks, guava and lemon saplings, which contributed to strengthening her household livelihood and nutrition.

Additionally, she learned mushroom cultivation and preparation of nutritious food using wheat, peanuts, and chickpeas through Nutrimix training. These learnings helped improve her family’s nutritional intake and enabled her to better meet household nutrition needs.

Today, Pratima’s journey reflects not only economic and nutritional improvement, but also increased confidence, environmental awareness, leadership, and active participation in community development and women’s rights initiatives.

Pratima Mondal, a member of the Geetshree group from Boga Khali Paschim village, has experienced significant positive changes in her family life and awareness through nutrition gardening. She lives in a four-member family consisting of two women and two men.

Using just one katha of land, Pratima developed a nutrition garden where she cultivated 13 varieties of vegetables and leafy greens, including spinach, radish, coriander, red amaranth, piring shaak, carrot, beans, cucumber, pumpkin, tomato, brinjal, and bottle gourd. She adopted organic farming practices by using vermicompost, cow dung manure, amrit pani, and four-leaf solution in her garden. Bamboo fencing was also installed to protect the crops.

The garden produced a healthy yield, allowing the family to consume fresh vegetables daily. Pratima also shared vegetables with her parental home and daughter’s family, while earning around ₹80 through sales. She preserved seeds of spinach, coriander, beans, pumpkin, and bottle gourd for future cultivation and plans to contribute some seeds to the community seed bank.

In 2020, Jagadish joined the Gitanjali Farmers’ Group through Jeevika Development Society’s outreach. Through sustained training in agroecological methods — covering composting, vermicomposting, native seed cultivation, seed banking, sack farming, mixed cropping, and integrated land use — his farming practice was transformed. With project support of INR 46,000 (complemented by INR 5,000 of his own savings), his mono-crop land was reshaped into a multi-functional agroecological unit: elevated beds for seasonal crops, a water body for fish cultivation (Rohu, Katla, and Prawn), and fruit trees on the periphery.

The results have been remarkable. In the Kharif 2025 season alone, Jagadish earned approximately INR 80,000 from bottle gourd sales — produce that, at its peak, dominated two to three village markets. Cucumber, long beans, and leafy vegetables contribute to regular income throughout the year. His landholding has grown from 12 kathas to 8 bighas over 17 years, a testament to reinvested agricultural income. In the Rabi 2025–26 season, he anticipates total sales of INR 1–1.5 lakh — on a production expenditure of under INR 10,000.

Even during the exceptional floods of Kharif 2025, Jagadish’s diversified and agroecological approach cushioned his losses compared to his neighbours who relied on monoculture paddy. His wife participates actively in all farming activities — from seed purification and preservation to market sales — embodying the collaborative household model that underpins the project’s vision. He has also been registered under the Krishak Bandhu scheme, receiving biannual financial support from the government.

Jagadish’s journey from factory labourer to recognised agroecological farmer is not merely a personal success story. It is a living demonstration that sustainable agriculture, when combined with community learning, institutional support, and farmer agency, can regenerate livelihoods, restore soil health, and build climate resilience — all at once.

Jagadish Ghosh, a member of the Gitanjali Farmers’ Group in Khagramuri village, South 24 Parganas, began his working life not in a field, but inside a chemical factory in 1997. For seven years, he endured the physical toll of chemical exposure and the precarity of industrial labour, until an abrupt lay-off in 2004 left him unemployed at thirty-two, with a young family and only twelve kathas of neglected paternal land to fall back on.

He returned to farming with the only method he knew — chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Initial yields were reasonable, but within years, the land began to show signs of deterioration: hardening soil, declining earthworm populations, reduced water retention, and food that no longer tasted as it once had.

Ruma Khatun - Journey From Survivor to Changemaker

However, influenced by societal norms, they urged her to return to her marital home, insisting that “a woman’s place is with her husband.” Reluctantly, she went back, only to face worsening torture.

Finally, when the abuse became unbearable, Ruma made a life-changing decision. She left the house with her two children, and this time her husband supported her. They moved into a rented home, where Ruma came into contact with social workers from Jeevika Development Society. With their encouragement, she filed a case against her in-laws and began the journey of reclaiming her dignity.During this period, Ruma joined a newly formed Survivor Forum, a platform dedicated to empowering women who had experienced gender-based violence. Through regular training, meetings, and awareness initiatives, she gradually rebuilt her confidence. Her voice grew stronger, her knowledge deeper, and her determination firmer.

Today, Ruma stands not as a survivor, but as a community leader and advocate. She now lives with her family in her in-laws’ house—this time with respect and authority. She accompanies abused women to the police station, often late at night, helping them file complaints and seek justice. The very people who once silenced her now seek her guidance.Ruma has already supported several women in achieving justice, sometimes through police action, other times through panchayat mediation. She collaborates closely with lawyers and continues expanding her understanding of legal rights.

Armed with courage, resilience, and compassion, Ruma has transformed her own suffering into a force for social change. She dreams of attending more trainings, strengthening her leadership skills, and empowering many more women to break free from violence, reclaim their dignity, and lead lives of independence and respect.

Ruma’s life took a sharp turn when she was married off while still in Class XI. Her dreams of studying further ended abruptly, replaced by the heavy burden of household responsibilities. Her in-laws forbade her education, and soon, her new life became a space of control rather than care.What followed was a cycle of emotional and physical violence. Ruma was constantly belittled for not meeting unrealistic expectations. She was insulted, restricted from speaking to her parents, barred from stepping outside, and even denied food until all chores were completed. Her husband, financially dependent on his parents, rarely stood up for her. The isolation was suffocating.Motherhood brought her two children—but not the respect or compassion she hoped for. The abuse continued, pushing Ruma into deep despair. At one point, overwhelmed by pain and hopelessness, she considered ending her life. But the thought of her children’s future gave her strength to endure.Seeking refuge, Ruma returned to her parents’ home.

Tanushree’s Journey towards Empowerment

Realising that her struggles were rooted in systemic inequality, she joined the group and resolved to ensure her own daughters would never face such discrimination.Though criticised by her in-laws for having two daughters, Tanushree remains firm in providing them with equal opportunities and confidence. Through the Anti-Violence Action Group, she received legal and mental-health training that strengthened her leadership abilities. Today, she works actively with the Panchayat, ASHA workers, and community members to address issues like gender inequality and child marriage. Her efforts have helped prevent around five child marriages in her area.

Tanushree Naskar (name changed), a dedicated member of the Anti-Violence Action Group, entered adulthood bearing heavy responsibilities. After losing her father at 18, she was married off and soon became the primary support for both her marital and parental families.

Since childhood, she faced hurtful comments about her appearance and witnessed clear gender bias within her family. Despite supporting her brother’s education by running a small business, selling clothes, cosmetics, and household items, she never received the recognition or affection she hoped for.Her life changed when she met social workers discussing child marriage, gender discrimination, and unequal treatment of girls.

Ever since Mousumi joined Alor Barta, (a volunteer forum of Jeevika which takes preventive action against violence on women and girls and engages in the campaign to end early marriage of girls while promoting their education) she told stories of Romita. She was the daughter of her husband’s elder brother; she was an average student and used to go to school regularly. However, when she reached class 11, her parents started looking for grooms to marry her off as the local norm said that girls should be married off early. Her parents also followed the footsteps of their neighbors and relatives and were fixed on getting her married. Romita used to stay with her parents and her elder brother.

Mousumi could not find any solution to it. She was helpless but at the same time she was struggling with herself to prevent this marriage form happening. She could not just sit silently, and she tried to convince her husband. Her husband straightaway told her that she does not need to bother about these. Moreover, when the girl was herself ready what else could be done? Mousumi knew that it was not Romita’s own decision. She had been taught to think this way right from her childhood. She could not think otherwise. Mousumi discussed this with other Alor Barta members. Prospective grooms along with their families visited their house to see Romita. Mousumi informed these to Alor Barta and volunteers approached Romita’s parents to convince them from preventing the marriage. However, this only led to more quarrels at home. Everyone blamed Mousumi for perpetuating family feuds. Mousumi had to go through a lot. She was not at all supported by any of her family member. However, Mousumi was determined to prevent the marriage and make Romita continue her education.

Ultimately after discussion she reached a solution. From then onwards, Mousumi began to build a rapport with Romita so that she could sensitize her to an extent. Initially, she brought food for her while returning home; she shared her clothes with her and gradually started sharing her life stories and eventually they became close friends. Mousumi asked her as to why she wanted to get married, and explained to her that, if she gets married, her education would come to a halt, and she would have to perform household chores just like her. She would not get time for her own hobbies. Early marriage would also lead to early pregnancy, that it would not only lead to health problems of both her and her child, but also burden her with added responsibilities of her child.

Earlier, Romita used to say that she wanted to get married and be a bride. But after talking to Mousumi, she started enquiring Mousumi about how she could prevent her marriage. Romita’s father who was in search for a good groom for his daughter to give her a secured future, ultimately got hold of a good groom and invited them to come home and see if they liked Romita. When this news reached both Romita and Mousumi, they started chalking out ways of preventing the marriage from happening. Mousumi realized that even the groom had been taught to get married to a younger girl. He was within the system and he did just as he was told from his childhood. She had an idea. She thought Romita also did not know what she wanted but made her father’s wish her own. She was not aware that she could also have an identity of her own.

Mousumi did not waste a moment, and decided to talk to the boy personally. To her surprise, the boy actually became ready to talk to her. She explained him that Romita should also be given an opportunity to explore her career and create an identity of her own. When this boy could study and pursue a future for himself, why would not Romita do the same? Why would she be devoid of any opportunity? Moreover, if both husband and wife were successful, had their own identity and earned for themselves and for the household, life would be much easier. Mousumi also told him that by law, Romita was not ready for marriage and if the marriage took place, he might have to face legal trouble. Romita also spoke to him and tried to convince him to stop the marriage. The boy, after discussion, decided to stop the marriage. He also gave thought to the legal matters involved. He knew that Mousumi was an Alor Barta member who could take legal support. The marriage was prevented by the boy himself and Romita also became quite happy that she could continue her studies. The boy also told her that they could get married when Romita completed her studies.

It was a success for Mousumi and a bigger one for Romita. The boy himself convinced both the families. Romita thought that there were greater joys

Right from her childhood, Romita was told that a girl was only supposed to get married and take care of the household. Education for a girl was simply a waste of money as she ultimately had to cook and clean. It was not difficult for her father to convince her for marriage and accordingly, she also developed a fantasy around marriage. She wanted to dress as a bride, put vermillion, wear accessories and wanted to look beautiful, little did she know that marriage at such an early age would end her education, would make her busy in household chores and limit her access to other opportunities.

Mousumi being a member of Alor Barta could not see this happening. She could not accept the fact that an early marriage was taking place in her own house. All decisions rested on Romita’s father, being the head of the family. Mousumi wasn’t able to have any say in this. Not even could Romita’s mother say anything against him. Everyone in the family agreed that Romita should get married. Romita grew up in an atmosphere where she had always seen her father take all the decisions while everyone else abided by them. Similarly, even she followed the rest.

In the small village of Raspunja in South 24 Parganas, where opportunities for young women were often limited, a young girl named Dolon Chapa Naskar carried a simple but powerful dream in her heart—to become self-reliant and support her parents.

Eighteen years ago, Dolon joined the Income Generation Program (IGP) of Jeevika Development Society as a trainee artisan. Coming from a modest family, she had seen the daily struggles of her parents and wanted to contribute to their well-being. She believed that if she could learn a skill and earn her own income, she could stand beside her family with dignity and confidence.

With this dream, Dolon enrolled in Jeevika’s tailoring training program.

Slowly, the young village girl transformed into a skilled artisan.

Her commitment and hard work helped her master the art of stitching, garment making, finishing, and quality production. Over the years, she became one of the most dependable and talented members of Jeevika’s tailoring unit. Her attention to detail and passion for quality earned the appreciation of supervisors, colleagues, and customers alike.

Today, garments crafted by Dolon’s hands travel far beyond her village. The products she helps create reach national and international markets, carrying with them the story of a woman who dared to dream beyond her circumstances. Knowing that people in different parts of India and even abroad wear garments she has helped produce fills her with immense pride and confidence.

But for Dolon, the greatest achievement is not only professional success.

It is the smile on her parents’ faces.

The income she earns has allowed her to contribute to her family, support her parents, and gain the respect that comes with financial independence. The young woman who once dreamed of standing beside her parents is now doing exactly that.

Looking back, Dolon often reflects on how far she has come. From a shy village girl with a dream to a skilled artisan whose work is recognized beyond borders, her journey has been one of perseverance, learning, and self-belief.

Yet, her story is still being written.

Today, Dolon carries a new dream. Inspired by her years of experience and growing confidence, she hopes to start her own tailoring business in the future. She wants to create opportunities not only for herself but also for other women like her, who are waiting for a chance to prove their potential.

"My first dream was to become self-reliant and support my parents. Today, I have achieved that dream. Now, I want to go further, build my own enterprise, and continue growing," she says with a smile.

Dolon’s journey reminds us that when women are given skills, opportunities, and encouragement, they do not simply change their own lives—they transform the future of their families and communities.

From a small village in South 24 Parganas to products reaching customers across the world, Dolon Chapa Naskar’s story is a testament to the power of determination, dignity, and dreams stitched together through hard work.