Taraben: Choosing Strength, Every Day

In the village of Bhiljamboli, Taraben’s life is built on quiet endurance.

At 38, she is a widowed mother of two, living with her in-laws and carrying the responsibility of her household. She lost her husband several years ago to illness, and since then, the task of raising her children and sustaining the family has rested with her.

Her son is in middle school. Her daughter is close behind. Their education is her constant priority. School fees, books, uniforms — each expense is managed carefully, each milestone deeply valued.

The family depends largely on agriculture. Though there is land connected to the household, it is registered in her father-in-law’s name. Taraben works as a farm labourer, earning when work is available. But agriculture is seasonal, and income is not always steady. Some months demand difficult adjustments.

Yet Taraben continues forward with determination.

She is interested in expanding into animal husbandry and sees it as a pathway to more regular income. She also knows how to prepare traditional foods like papad — skills that could grow into a small home-based enterprise with the right guidance and support.

There is another layer to her journey. Taraben herself lives with a kidney-related health condition that requires periodic treatment. Her daughter also faces a medical challenge. Health care is not an occasional expense in their household — it is an ongoing responsibility.

Even so, Taraben does not describe her life as burdened.
She describes it as duty.

She has ensured her documentation is in place and has accessed some government schemes. With focused health assistance, livelihood support, and financial guidance, she has the potential to move toward greater stability and self-reliance.

What stands out about Taraben is not vulnerability.
It is courage — the quiet kind that shows up every day, even when the body is tired.
She does not ask for sympathy.
She asks for the opportunity to build a steadier future for her children.

At the Smt Jayalakshmi Memorial Single Mother Foundation, we believe women like Taraben do not need rescue.
They need partnership.
They need pathways.
They need someone to walk beside them.
Because when a mother chooses strength despite uncertainty, her children learn what resilience truly means. Our promise… no single mother walks alone. 🌿