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Mar 13, 2009

"I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor." --Henry David Thoreau

Seven Sisters with 80 Rupees in 1959

The "seven sisters", as they are fondly remembered, gathered on the terrace of an old building in a crowded South Mumbai locality and rolled out four packets of "papads" (crisp, traditional Indian meal starters) to sell. It was 1959. They had borrowed 80 Rupees (today's $1.50), to cook and sell papad as a way to supplement the household income. Three months later, they had 25 women. Just recently, they celebrated their 50th year in existence, now with 45,000 other women who are part of their women-only cooperative.