How a torn paper found in an office trash can transformed a part-time data entry operator from rural Chhattisgarh into a successful woman entrepreneur
Published on: February 03, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
( A Dispatch by Dhananjay Rathore,Joint director PR and LD Manikpuri, Assistant PRO in Chhattishgarh Government.)
Sometimes, changing the direction of life does not require grand opportunities or vast resources. Sometimes, even a small piece of paper lying in a dustbin can redefine destiny.
Such is the remarkable story of Anjana Uraon from Tolga village in Baikunthpur block of Chhattisgarh’s Koriya district. A postgraduate by qualification, Anjana was working as a part-time data entry operator at Janpad Panchayat Khadgawan, earning just Rs 4,000 per month. With limited income and routine responsibilities, life seemed confined to a narrow framework—until one ordinary day brought an extraordinary turning point.
While at work, Anjana noticed a torn leaflet in the office dustbin mentioning the Prime Minister’s employment generation scheme. Curious, she picked it up, read about the provisions, and instantly decided she would no longer remain just a salaried worker—she would create something of her own.
Her journey, however, was far from easy.
When she began seeking information, responses were discouraging. Some advised her to visit the District Trade and Industry Centre, while others warned her against getting entangled in bank loans and government procedures. Yet Anjana remained undeterred. She recalls being inspired by a statement from District Collector Mrs Chandan Tripathi, who had once said that women are capable of achieving anything with courage and determination. Those words stayed with her.
After visiting a fly ash brick manufacturing unit in the Podi-Bachra area, Anjana found her calling. She decided to set up a similar enterprise.
What followed was a phase of relentless struggle—lengthy documentation, repeated visits to banks, loan rejections and mounting social pressure. Both her maternal and marital families advised her to abandon the idea. But Anjana chose faith over fear.
Her strongest pillar during this time was her husband, Anil Kumar. Educated only up to Class 10 and with no prior industrial experience, Anil nonetheless stood firmly beside her. Together, they pursued their dream until HDFC Bank in Baikunthpur finally sanctioned a loan of Rs 30 lakh.
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Machines were procured from Katghora, a production shed was constructed, fly ash was sourced from Korba, and raw materials such as sand and cement were arranged locally.
Their dream officially took shape in August 2025 with the inauguration of Anjana Enterprises, a fly ash brick manufacturing unit. Commercial production began in October 2025.
Today, the unit has already produced nearly 80,000 bricks. Anjana pays a monthly bank instalment of Rs 60,000 regularly without default. Alongside managing her joint family, children and four acres of paddy and wheat cultivation, she successfully runs the enterprise. With demand steadily rising, she plans to expand operations, aiming for a daily production of 15,000 bricks and a monthly turnover of Rs 6–7 lakh.
Reflecting on her journey, Anjana says, “What people consider garbage became my identity. Knowledge can come from anywhere—what matters is recognising its value.”
District Collector Mrs Chandan Tripathi has also praised Anjana, calling her a role model for women who hesitate due to lack of resources. By effectively utilising government schemes, Anjana continues to move forward as a successful entrepreneur, embodying the true spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Anjana Uraon’s story is more than a tale of personal success. It represents grassroots women empowerment, the impact of well-implemented government initiatives, and the power of perseverance. From dustbin to industry, her journey sends a clear message: with determination, hard work and self-belief, even the smallest opportunity can lead to extraordinary achievements.
