In my blog, Blessing in Disguise, I had written about the businesses that have been positively impacted by the lockdowns triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. One example was of the kite-making business and the other was plant nurseries. The lockdowns forced people to stay at home and so more and more people looked inward.

People also became more health-conscious. Amongst the non-vegetarian people, fish became more popular as a source of essential nutrients such as calcium, omega 3, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients were seen as protective good nutrition. Hence, the fishing nets business grew.

One such report says countries such as India and China have huge potential for the production of fishing nets manufacturing because of their long coastlines and increasing population. The report says the Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.5 per cent and generate revenues of US$ 932.2 million in 2028.

While the people in this trade navigate their way out of the gloom of the pandemic and into the prosperity of the future, I shall talk about Elema Bibi. She is a resident of Atisara in West Bengal’s Hooghly district. She is a mother of two. She is an entrepreneur.

Right from childhood, Elema had been fascinated with fishing. Growing up in a fishing community, Elema accompanied her father on his small boat trips across the river. At the crack of dawn, little Elema would be up, ready to launch on their conquests. With some leftover rice packed in a bundle, she would leave with her father. Every day, after they returned with their catch, they would spread their nets content and segregate the fishes. At this point, Elema would have to leave for her home, and then for her school.

Educated till Class 7, Elema was married off early. Her husband worked in a jewellery manufacturing unit, far from her zone of fascination. Elema’s heart longed to see those threads of fishing nets. Days passed into years, Elema became a mother. She transitioned from a timid, little girl, to an able homemaker, and then to a loving, caring mother. But in all these transitions, her heart remained entrapped in the wondrous mesh of fishing nets.

Seeing her sadness, Elema’s husband proposed to her the business idea of manufacturing fishing nets at home.

A year ago, Elema became one of VFS enterprising customers. With the loan amount, she procured the necessary raw materials such as thread and needles. She made sure to let every fisherman in her village be aware of her products. To market them better, she hung her fishing nets in front of her courtyard. Soon, the fishing nets caught the eyes of potential buyers. They also became well known for their durability and strength. As word spread, Elema soon attracted customers from outside her village. To handle the demand, Elema soon employed a few women from her neighbourhood. She taught them the art of weaving fishing nets.

Amidst all this, her husband lost his job to the pandemic induced recession. But the loss didn’t hurt the family of four much. The lady of the house was in total control of the household income. Her husband soon joined the business and became in charge of transporting the consignments. Their business thrived, unhindered by the challenges thrown at them.

One can always steer the mind, but one can hardly steer the heart. Surely, Elema is a wise entrepreneur but her work reflects her passionate mind, engrossed in making her business a super success.