Rising with the Tide

Lagni Devi’s journey from daily catch to daily confidence is a reminder that empowering women transforms families.

Ward No-8 of Patna Urban, Bihar, is home to many families surviving on irregular incomes. For Lagni Devi, a mother of six children, life was a daily challenge. Her husband drove an e-rickshaw, while she sold fish in the local markets. Despite working tirelessly, there were days when they could barely cover household expenses, and sending their children to school seemed like a distant dream.

Her story is one of determination, showing how small opportunities even in difficult circumstances, can lead to significant changes.

The Struggle: Uncertainty Every Day  

Lagni Devi

Selling fish might seem simple, but for Lagni, it was far from stable. Some days, she could buy stock and make a profit. On others, she had nothing to sell. This irregularity meant she could not save, plan, or even think about emergencies. Many women in similar urban settings face the same struggle: informal work that pays inconsistently, long hours, and little recognition. Lagni’s challenge was not just economic—it was about survival and dignity.

The Turning Point: Skills and Support 

The Bihar Urban Poor Graduation Program (BUPGP), under the Satat Jeevikoparjan (SJY) Urban Program, became the turning point in Lagni Devi’s life. The initiative provides not just financial help but also training and guidance, helping beneficiaries make the most of their livelihoods.

The Bihar Urban Poor Graduation Program (BUPGP), builds on the success of the Satat Jeevikoparjan Yojana (SJY) in rural Bihar and is implemented by BRLPS (JEEViKA) under the Department of Rural Development, Government of Bihar. The program is supported by BRAC International through a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU) led by PCI India, with technical partners including the Aga Khan Foundation, Mobile Creches, and Mahila Housing Trust.

Lagni attended sessions on managing money, planning stock purchases, and growing her business. The program also gave her confidence, the quiet assurance that she could take charge of her family’s future. With initial support of ₹15,000, she was ready to turn her small fish trade into something more reliable.

Focusing on her strengths, Lagni began buying fish regularly and selling consistently. Slowly but steadily, her earnings stabilized. Within months, she had accumulated ₹20,000 working capital, which allowed her to expand her stock, pay for her children’s school fees, and manage household expenses without constant worry.

For the first time in years, she felt in control of her life. The daily catch was no longer just about survival—it was about building a future.

Financial stability brought more than income. It gave Lagni a voice in family decisions and a sense of pride in her work. She could now plan for her children’s education and household needs without relying solely on her husband’s irregular earnings.

Her story is a reminder that empowering women transforms families. When women earn and manage income, children stay in school, nutrition improves, and communities grow stronger.

Lessons from Lagni Devi’s Journey

• Stability matters: Irregular earnings keep families trapped in uncertainty. Small investments can create steady income.
• Skills and support go hand in hand with finance: Training helps people use resources effectively.
• Women are agents of change: Empowered women uplift entire households.
• Reinvestment ensures sustainability: Accumulating capital allows for growth and reduces vulnerability.

Lagni’s story is proof that programs like SJY do more than provide financial aid—they build confidence, skills, and independence.

From uncertain days at the market to running a thriving fish business, Lagni Devi has transformed her family’s life. With determination and the support of the SJY Program, she has turned daily struggles into daily confidence.

Her journey is a testament to the power of opportunity and resilience, inspiring other women in similar circumstances to take charge of their lives.

The author is Deepshikha, City Graduation Officer, BUPGP, Patna, Bihar.