How Adani Foundation’s CSR transformed Maharashtra’s Rewati Patle’s life from homemaker to community leader

Once a homemaker in a village of Maharashtra’s Tirora, the transformation of Rewati Patle’s life is nothing less than a movie! Adani Foundation, which is known for its impactful CSR initiatives, has transformed the life of the 39-year-old in a way that she now beams with confidence and pride!

Rewati’s adept handling of technical aspects, from machine repairs to customer relations, has earned her widespread admiration. Her journey from a homemaker to a respected community leader shows the transformative power of resilience and empowerment. She is now an inspiration for many girls and women in her community.

The story of Rewati Patle

In the rural community of Tirora, where seasonal paddy farming is the primary livelihood, Rewati, a resident of Chikhali village found herself at a crossroads. Her husband, employed by a local private company, and their small farm provided for their sustenance. However, the uncertain nature of agricultural income often left them struggling to meet their needs, particularly with the added responsibility of educating their two daughters.

Rewati’s aspirations transcended the conventional roles ascribed to the women in her village. In her youth, she harboured dreams of joining the police force. However, early marriage put her dreams on hold. Despite these setbacks, Rewati’s resilience never wavered. She continued to look for ways to support her family and keep her aspirations alive.

Becoming a malnutrition warrior for Adani Foundation

The Adani Foundation’s transformative programmes in Tirora sparked a new beginning for Rewati. Through the Suposhan initiative, which aims to combat malnutrition, Rewati found a lifeline. She became a Suposhan Sangini, earning a modest income and discovering newfound confidence and leadership skills.

Sharing her transformation journey, Rewati said, “I am grateful to Adani Foundation for guiding me to choose a path in life, for making me financially independent and for instilling confidence in me that I can also step out of my home and achieve something in life. I know how difficult it is for a homemaker to make ends meet, but now I am earning money and supporting my husband in running the household. I have also earned the respect of people belonging to my community and our village. A lot of women, especially housewives, now aspire to follow my footprints.”

Rewati’s role in Dairy Development Programme

In 2020, the Adani Foundation’s Dairy Development Programme marked another turning point in Rewati’s life. Recognising her potential, she was entrusted with the management of a bulk milk collection centre in Chikhali. Initially daunted by the unfamiliar responsibilities, Rewati’s determination shone through as she embraced her role with resolve.

Starting with a modest intake, she diligently expanded the operations. Today, the Chikhali centre stands as a testament to her perseverance, collecting thousands of litres of milk daily from 230 farmers. This has provided her family with a stable income, which enabled her to invest in her daughters’ education, and contributed to the construction of their home.

Rewati inspires other women

Rewati’s story is a beacon of hope and inspiration, particularly for the women in her village. Her achievements have not only elevated her status but also sparked a movement towards empowerment, encouraging other women to step into their own power and contribute to the prosperity of their community. Her narrative emphasises the deep impact of empowerment initiatives, highlighting the crucial role of community collaboration in promoting rural development and women’s economic empowerment.