The young social entrepreneur Mallika Mukherjee inspires hundreds of others to join her mission to be self-independent. Read about her journey…as she unfolds to WT.
Mallika Mukherjee, a shining star in the field of social entrepreneurship, has not-so-glittering life encouraging her to struggle in her personal life. Amidst all her bad things in life here she is with her social entrepreneurial venture – Raka Craft Welfare Society – which is selling approximately 4 to 5 lakhs in a year with minimum monthly revenue of 20 thousand a month as told by Mallika Mukherjee. A history of early marriage and dropping out from college it is she who being an ardent learner of various craft got herself to learn related courses and pursue her desires despite hurdles hitting her way. Her turning point came when she got herself admission in a painting course where the teacher inspired her to transmit her know-how to the other needy girls. In 2007 Raka Craft Welfare Society was formed and without any support; parallel she carried on her incomplete education in the stream of commerce.
With the first loan of 2 lakhs, she started her social venture in a better way. The exhibition is the accomplished way of selling the products mainly in New Delhi at Pragati Maidan where the beautiful hand-made pieces are exhibited for selling. This the entrepreneur started since 2008 and the response is very good in financial terms which allow the team to sustain for few months after the event. The hard work pays back well in the capital and overseas but the unfortunate part goes to wrench their sweat as the Bengal is yet to realise the essence of handicraft and the skills involved in it. RCWS is currently also planning to go international by participating in the exhibitions of Japan, China and Spain.
