“Giving is not just about making a donation it is about making a difference”. She strongly Believed that the secret of happiness is helping others. A post graduate in computer application, University rank holder in graduation, and having a job in ma ultinational company; still she decided to choose something out of the box and after quitting her job settled in Chikodi.
Meet, Gouree Sanket Manjarekar who did her schooling from M V Herwadkar, then GSS college and her post graduation from GIT started “Pankh Handicrafts” was started with an aim to educate, employ and empower the less fortunate.
She recently received “Indian Women Excellence and leadership award 2019” in the category of “NGO & Rural Entrepreneurship” at the hands of Shri. Suresh Prabhu – Hon Commerce and Industries Minister, Government of India at Vigyaan Bhavan, New Delhi. It was organized by Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Foundation and was supported by Government of India; start up India, Ministry of commerce and Industry, Make in India, NSIC and Digital India.
Joy Bank Group, did I get that Right?
Yes, yes, Joy bank group an NGO was started in 2008 which provided monitory help to several old aged homes, orphanages with the help of few good Samaritans. In 2012 along with Manish Shanbhag Co-Founded Pankh handicrafts to provide sustainable charity to under privileged ladies. Our head office is based in Chikodi.
So how did Joy Bank spread the Joy, if I may ask?
Oh yes, we started by providing unskilled women valuable and relevant skills and a platform to apply these skills, thereby enabling them to have a sustainable source of income and providing them a means to financial independence.
What is Pankh all about and does it help one to fly?
Our Vision at Pankh is to provide “Pankh” or wings to the needy, to help them grow, develop and “fly” in life. A part of the profit made at Pankh is put back into the society through various donations through our regular projects “school Kits”, “winter drive jackets”, “blankets of love”. Through these projects School bags, jackets, blankets are donated to less privileged children, these are again fabricated at pankh. So it is a double charity, as these donations not only benefit the poor children but also provide employment to the poor ladies. More than 1000 school Kits have been donated by Pankh. We have carried out several projects which include school/college uniforms, handicrafts, corporate gifts and many more. We have also exported our products abroad. Last year we also worked with Embassy of India in Paris to promote Make In India through handcrafted jute bags and folders.
Now whats STREE-Educate Employ Empower?
This is an online forum for women named “STREE-Educate Employ Empower” which has a mission to empower women through education reformation. This forum has grown has more than 8000 ladies.
How does it feel when your work is recognized?
Awards are like a pat on the shoulder and they boost your confidence. I am sure this award will help me work with more energy and zeal in future projects.
I always have believed that a woman is like a tree, her roots are from her parents, her husband is the soil which supports her and makes her stand strong, her children are her branches, all the relatives and friends who support her are the leaves, which help her bloom and fruits are the result of all the support. I am glad to receive my first fruit, which gives me a greater responsibility to work harder. I hope many more people come forward and join us for this noble cause, adds Gouree.