Gayatriben: Strength Rooted in Responsibility

In the village of Bhiljamboli, Gayatriben’s life follows the rhythm of the land.

At 41, she is a widowed mother of three, living with her in-laws and carrying the primary responsibility of the household. Since losing her husband several years ago, she has become the steady centre of her family’s world.

Their home has basic stability — a roof, water, electricity. The family cultivates farmland registered in her father-in-law’s name. Agriculture and animal husbandry sustain them, but income rises and falls with the seasons. Stability is never guaranteed; it is managed carefully, month by month.

Her children are growing, each at a different stage of life. Her son is in higher secondary school. Her daughter is pursuing technical training. Another child has stepped away from formal education for now. Gayatriben’s hope is simple — that each of them finds a secure path forward.

There is a deeper challenge she carries quietly. Two of her children live with a health condition that requires ongoing care. Medical needs are recurring, not occasional. Hospital visits and added expenses are woven into their routine. Yet she speaks of it not with worry, but with resolve.

Gayatriben works actively in farming and animal husbandry and is especially interested in increasing milk production to create additional income. She is constantly thinking of practical ways to strengthen the household — small, steady improvements that could bring greater security.

While the land inheritance is yet to be formalised in her name, she has ensured that her documentation is in order and has accessed available government schemes. With focused guidance — particularly around health assistance, entitlements, and income enhancement — she can further stabilise her family’s future.

What stands out about Gayatriben is not adversity.
It is consistency.
It is the quiet discipline of showing up every single day, regardless of what the season brings.

With structured support and strengthened livelihood pathways, she has the potential to turn seasonal uncertainty into sustainable progress.

She does not ask for sympathy.
She asks for continuity — for her children’s health, education, and dignity.

At the Smt Jayalakshmi Memorial Single Mother Foundation, we believe women like Gayatriben do not need rescue.
They need partnership.
They need pathways.
They need someone to walk beside them.
Because when a mother remains steady, even through changing seasons, her children learn how to stand firm. Our promise… no single mother walks alone. 🌿