Here come the Durgapreneurs: Chapter 2

Introduction :

Durga Maa has long been celebrated as the embodiment of strength and empowerment, a symbol of unwavering determination and the driving force behind positive change. In a world where innovation and entrepreneurship are the catalysts for progress, Durga Maa's spirit of fearlessness serves as a guiding light for those with bold ideas and the courage to bring them to life.

With that said, we are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership between Vygr and Freeflow Ventures, aimed at fostering the entrepreneurial spirit and supporting the visionaries of tomorrow. Together, we are proud to introduce the Durgapreneur Series, a platform dedicated to nurturing the dreams and ideas of innovative minds.

In the Second Chapter of the Durgapreneur Series, join us and find out what it takes to be an entrepreneur and reach grassroot levels, what is takes to be selfless and work for the upliftment of others. These entrepreneurs bring a new hope to Indian markets and strive to work towards a greater good.

Align yourself with the goodness within you. We are mystified by these extraordinary individuals . Let the Durgapreneur Series be your source of inspiration, wisdom, and empowerment as we celebrate the indomitable spirit of entrepreneurship.

CHAPTER 2

eKrishi Kendra

eKrishi Kendra, an agri-tech startup founded in 2017 in Navsari, Gujarat, India, is dedicated to revolutionising agriculture. It serves as a platform for farmers, experts, and stakeholders in the agricultural industry. The startup's main goal is to empower traditional farmers with technology and knowledge, bridging the gap for those not well-versed in modern farming practices.

The platform allows users to ask questions and receive prompt expert advice. It also offers educational resources like seminars and research materials. Additionally, eKrishi Kendra ensures accessibility by allowing users to express concerns through images or voice notes.

One of its key features is enabling farmers to directly sell their produce, ensuring fair compensation. It focuses on the Agri input sector and aims to unite stakeholders across India. For students, it provides a platform to connect with potential employers and access a digital library of agriculture-related resources.

Founder Dr. Naima Shaikh, inspired by her grandfather's farming background, is committed to breaking biases and making a mark in the agricultural sector. Despite initial challenges, eKrishi Kendra has earned recognition, receiving the "Thinkers of Tomorrow" award.

In an upcoming project, the startup will utilise satellite technology to provide precise weather advice tailored to specific crops, promising to enhance agricultural practices and crop protection for higher yields.

To learn more about e-Krishi Kendra, visit their website: https://www.ekrishikendra.com/

2. SRREOSHI , NGO

In 2004, Ms. Sikha Roy, founder of Srreoshi, received an Ashoka fellowship. She identified the plight of tribal women in her area, lacking land rights and resources, deeming their empowerment crucial. Later, a three-year Ashoka fellowship provided a breakthrough.

These tribal women, dominated by men in remote areas, lacked possessions. Ms. Roy, empathizing due to her upbringing, held three Master's degrees. Srreoshi, named after Rabindranath Tagore's publication, focuses on basic education, social issues, and health.

Her involvement is emotionally charged, stemming from personal experiences. Srreoshi's establishment in 2005 arose from a sense of duty as her 2007 fellowship end neared.

Funding from the CSR industry sustains her business, selling locally made products to support livelihoods. Sabai grass and bamboo creations, like lamps and gamchas, are popular. Free CSR trainings are also provided.

Her diverse audience includes NGO partners, colleges, steel plants and hotels. Family support, especially from her mother and brother, is invaluable. She has a network of 5000 supportive individuals.

Guided by the dean in 2012, she has yet empowered 50 rural entrepreneurs and collaborated with 300 artisans. Her showroom in Durgapur supports local products.

Her journey has shown consistent progress. A male CSR partner and a team of empowered women contribute to her success. Her future focus is on fostering independent businesses in villages.

For her, leadership is built on trust and guidance, transcending financial gain. This trust underpins her impactful work.

To learn more about Srreoshi, visit their social media handle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srreoshi-durgapur-b26b68269?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

3. LIFI - Learning Initiative For India

LIFI (Learning Initiative for India) is an intervention that started during the COVID-19 pandemic 2020. It began in a small village in Haryana and was initiated by co-founder Raman. Previously working with The Tap India Foundation with an engineering background; which works with construction laborers and children in Haryana, was the starting point for LIFI. The foundation was helping enrol 2,000 kids in school, but when the pandemic hit, the kids were no longer able to attend.

LIFI started by providing audio lessons to the children in Purkhas Rathi. The initiative works on various verticals. From Fellowships to trainings, the initiative also collaborates with other organizations to bridge the education gap for the 150 million children currently away from the formal education system in India.

Based out of Delhi, but has a wide reach in other states as well. LIFI's mission is to create a collective that ensures every child has access to education and remains on a formal educational pathway. Their vision is for every child to thrive and have access to learning opportunities. Targeting urban as well as rural areas, the main areas of focus will remain the grassroots.

What became clear in the pandemic was that we need a collective. LIFI is currently working with over 1,500 children in collaboration with four different nonprofits in five states of India providing programs from scratch or just improvement and feedback . The implications of the pandemic were seen all over the world and some still feel them today. They want to bring the school to the child , if possible. Pandemic brough innovation and this is the time to act on them. They want to create examples from their fellows and bring a glimmer of hope within their own communities. They aim to impact more than 10,000 children by 2025 and strengthen local leadership in communities to bring about lasting change.

To learn more about LIFI, visit their website: https://www.learninginitiativesforindia.org/

4. Enciser

Enciser, is a brand focused on energy efficiency and cutting down carbon footprint. Their mission is to empower individuals with awareness of energy consumption and benefits of energy efficiency.

They offer IoT products that help consumers install energy conservation devices in their homes, offices, or industries. These products enable users to save on electricity costs and contribute to carbon reduction.

The brand's vision is to transform energy management with innovative solutions and empower informed sustainable choices. The brand history started about one and a half years ago when the founders realized the lack of awareness and control over electricity consumption in India. They aim to provide users with products that allow them to monitor and control their energy usage.

The brand persona is focused on creating awareness, shaping the energy future, and helping individuals save money while reducing carbon emissions.The brand's strategy includes digital and offline marketing to reach out to a wide range of audiences and introduce more smart energy efficiency products in the future.

The founder of the company, along with the CEO, has a background in IoT and electronics. The future of the brand involves continuously introducing new energy-efficient products, such as a highly efficient heat pump, and expanding their client base across various sectors.

To learn more about Enciser, visit their website: https://enciser.com/

5. Wah! Phuchka

Founded by 24-year-old entrepreneur Deepak Kumar, "Wah! Phuchka" is redefining street food in Kolkata. The brand's mission is clear: offer guilt-free, hygienic Phuchkas without compromising on taste. With four stores in Kolkata and plans for further expansion, Wah! Phuchka is poised for growth.

Deepak, also pursuing an MBA, envisions Wah! Phuchka as a pioneer in snacking. The brand's target audience spans all ages and includes students, professionals, and youth. Their brand persona recreates the local market experience, providing an authentic and nostalgic connection.

Currently a top-rated restaurant in Kolkata, Wah! Phuchka boasts an impressive annual turnover of one crore rupees, with 80% repeat customers. Looking ahead, the brand aims to open 100 stores in the next 3-4 years, uniting a diverse range of street delicacies under the umbrella of "Wah! Foods."

In summary, Wah! Phuchka is not just a snack; it's an experience. With a focus on authenticity, quality, and convenience , this brand is set to leave an indelible mark on the street food scene in metro cities.

To learn more about Wah! Phuchka, visit their website: https://wahphuchka.com/