Mangala is a single parent who shares her home with her married daughter. Since losing her husband 23 years ago, she has faced numerous challenges. Mangala moved from Ratnagiri to Mumbai during her childhood and has spent her entire life living in a rented house.

To support her family, she worked as a domestic worker, primarily as a cook in various households. Although she is well-known for her exceptional cooking skills and her ability to prepare a wide variety of dishes, her physical condition has made it increasingly difficult for her to work long hours.

Despite these struggles, Mangala dreamed of starting a canteen service that would allow her to leverage her culinary talent for a better future for herself and her family. However, limited resources and health issues posed significant obstacles to realizing this dream.

Her journey took a positive turn when she connected with the Centre for Social Action (CSA) through our partner organization, Prayas Ek Koshish. With their support, she enrolled in a Capacity Building Course, where she developed important skills in leadership, communication, and social awareness.

During discussions with the CSA staff, Mangala shared her vision of starting a canteen service. Her goal was not only to achieve financial stability but also to empower other domestic workers by creating job opportunities for them. Impressed by her determination and selfless vision, CSA provided her with the necessary resources and rations to kickstart her food business.

With CSA’s support, Mangala embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. She began by offering snacks on order, providing tiffins, and selling festival sweets at exhibition stalls. Her passion for cooking and determination to succeed led her to name her initiative “Abhiruchi Foods.”

Mangala took an additional step by employing another domestic worker as a helper. This decision not only allowed her to handle more orders but also aligned with her vision of supporting other women in need.

Through her hard work and determination, Mangala has transformed her life. “Abhiruchi Foods” has become a recognized name in her community. She now delivers around 10 tiffins daily and caters to parties and festivals. Her menu features a variety of dishes, including dal-rice, chapatis, vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, as well as popular snacks like vada pav, idli, and medu vada. As a result of her efforts, she earns approximately ₹12,000 per month, ensuring financial stability for herself and her family.

Mangala is no longer just a domestic worker; she has become an entrepreneur and a leader among domestic workers as part of the Prayas Domestic Workers Group. She actively volunteers with Prayas, using her leadership skills to inspire and empower other women.