Happiness always eluded me
My name is Renu. This is the story of my life. I had never known happiness. My parents migrated from Uttar Pradesh to Haryana just after my birth and I was born and brought up in a small village called Rajokheri. My father started from scratch in Haryana and worked very hard to feed and educate us. Despite his dedication, life was a constant struggle.
I had to discontinue my education after standard 12 and was married soon after. My married life was a disaster from the word go. My in-laws were not supportive, and my husband did not earn a penny. We lived in penury.
My daughter was two when she fell critically ill. We could not save her because of lack of resources. I could not come to terms with this tragedy and it seemed that life had come to a standstill. I decided to take things in my own hand.
Over the next few years, we were blessed with another daughter and a son. I started doing odd jobs like taking up stitching assignments and providing beauty services at people’s homes. However, I could never earn more than a couple of Rupees thousand per month. I was desperately looking for better avenues.
ICICI Academy for Skills set me on the path to happiness
A community facilitator from the ICICI Academy for Skills (IAS) met me and told me about their free ‘Beauty Parlour Management’ course. My eyes lit up and I decided to join the course. My in-laws were not in favour of my joining the course. However, I reasoned with my husband that this programme could be the turning point in our lives and he agreed.
The next few weeks at the Academy were a great experience. The trainers taught us the A to Z of all beauty techniques that are in vogue. They also explained the basics of setting up a parlour and gave us special sessions on financial literacy.
After the completion of the course, I felt I was ready to take on the world. ICICI Foundation helped me in starting my own beauty parlour and I set out on a new path.
I have finally found happiness
Today, I earn Rs 8,000 per month from the Beauty Parlour and have employed one girl. I am sure things will get better from here. My family and I live independently and my husband supports me. This is a small beginning for us. Our children go to good private schools now. I want them to get the best of everything. My parents are proud of me.
I train young girls free of cost, so that they can stand on their feet. This is my small way of thanking ICICI who helped me in becoming not only financially independent, but also in finally finding happiness. I will never be able to express my gratitude to ICICI for giving me an opportunity to start afresh.