Individual participation in rural development should be one of the key aims of rural development policies and strategies should be built based on this purpose. That is precisely how Village TV’s Amazing Stories serves as a positive influence for future generations in rural areas, providing hope and motivation to these communities as a whole.
Village TV broadcasted its 16th episode of Amazing Stories live from Dubai with CA Valerian, Program Host and Mentor, Spearhead Media, Rajesh Sequeira, Programme Co-Host, with the guests M.P. Hegde, proprietor of Rachana Home Industry, and Harshita K.S., proprietor of Om Prithwi Naturals, Sullia.
They are cottage industry talents who have been contributing to bring progress in Karnataka’s villages. Both the hosts welcomed the guests.
Harshita K.S
Harshitha K.S., owner of Om Prithvi Naturals in Sullia, is an MBA graduate and a woman herbal entrepreneur. Her Om Prithvi Naturals is a local startup in need of public support to expand its operations.
Harshita told that it is the first visual media that has recognised her works. After analysing the talk show I was surprised to see that the initiative is helping in the development of people in rural areas.
The aim of Village TV is to bring the villagers who are excelling in their talents and we want to showcase it to the world.
Journey
Speaking to News Karnataka about her journey she said that, “Miracles occur in different ways, just like they do in movies. I, too, experienced a pivotal moment in my life. I am an MBA graduate and have worked for a handful of organisations. Later, I got married and now have a child of my own. I was at risk of losing my job after that. I am not a person who enjoys sitting around doing nothing. I wanted to do something, but I wasn’t sure what that would be.”
Harshita went on to say that she received a message in WhatsApp one day on how to make natural Kumkum (Vermilion). “My husband quit using Kumkum because he was allergic to the adulterated products available in the market. Then, I looked into making natural Kumkum using turmeric and other ingredients. It came out really well.”
She later shared it on Facebook, where she received a lot of encouragement. When I saw that the Kumkum I made was getting attention, I was blown away. There are a lot of companies out there manufacturing the same thing. Yet people wanted to get homemade Kumkum for daily use. That is how her business began.
“I was losing a lot of hair after giving birth. Then I remembered how my grandmother used to make oil and recreated it. My granny used to prepare natural face powder for babies and I prepared that too,” said Harshita.
There are ten products available right now, including customised hair oils. People tell us what they want, and we make it for them. “Toothpowder, infant powder, food butter, face powder, lip butter, hair cleansers, natural Kumkum, and body wash powder are among the products available.”
These medicinal ingredients have been forgotten. For example, people may be unaware of the benefits of hibiscus on their hair and instead opt for store-bought conditioners. She urges people to use natural products.
Harshita strongly believes that 15 years of experience and her granny’s knowledge enabled her to be where she is today.
Valerian expressed that like her hidden talents were brought into the light, News Karnataka is recognising her works through Village TV.
Packaging used for the product
Harshita is of the opinion that avoids plastic for a number of reasons. “So far, I don’t have any other alternative for storing these items, particularly powders. We kept them in tetra packs with aluminium foil on the inside and a paper coating on the exterior. The presence of moisture will destroy the product. I use acrylic containers for lip butter and plastic containers for food butter. Glass jars require high investment,” said Harshita.
For now, she uses plastic to store hair oils. She is hopeful that with a good investment she would go for glass containers and eco-friendly packaging.
“Except for the hair oil, which is named after Avva, my grandmother who passed away, all of the products are Om Prithwi Naturals. This isn’t my product at all; it’s all her knowledge,” she added.
Rajesh appreciated the interest of Harshita for taking up such an initiative.
Support from family and people
“Everyone enjoys ripe fruit, yet they are unaware of the difficulties it has faced. I battled a lot in the first two years. I had to deal with unanticipated humiliation when I first started because this was not a respectable profession. Nobody in my family backed me up,” professed Harshita.
Her husband has been really supportive throughout. “It was only through my determination that I got this far,” she added.
“I was blessed with a very good friend circle,” says Harshita
Harshita further stated that “All of my friends and people on social media were a blessing to me. Social media is not a way for me to spend time. This is my virtual office, where I sell my wares and network with others. I don’t have much money to promote the product as it is just a startup.” Their reviews on social media helped her business grow.
Marketing strategy
When asked about the marketing strategy Harshita explained that there are two types of marketing: pull and push. Push your product to the market by doing anything that is required. “My products promoted me, and I had pull marketing. I didn’t use any preservatives and chemicals. This is what sets my products apart. The most effective marketing, in my opinion, is word of mouth, and nothing beats that. The products were approached by resellers and wholesalers,” she added.
Reach of the products
Harshita further explained that she has both direct and indirect consumers, and she feels overwhelmed when her products are sold to other parts of India as well.
“My products were purchased by Kannadigas from other countries.
Covid became a concern as the product hit the market. Only a few shopping centres and stores have opened. However, the items are sold in shops both within and outside of Karnataka. Besides, I sell them through online platforms,” she added.
“Get an experience in whatever you do,” states Harshita
She is of the opinion that people should get experience in whatever they do. “Learning is a never-ending process, so begin by learning from everyone around you and keep an open mind. Learn everything there is to know about the industry from the scratch. That is the only way we will be successful,” said Harshita.
Valerian highlighted the importance of young people learning from such inspiring stories.
Future plans
When Valerian asked her about the future plans, she mentioned that she has a blueprint of everything kept ready. “I need investment for my packaging and would like to acquire a farm dedicated solely to the cultivation of organic herbal plants. Another thing I’d like to encourage is village tourism so that my customers can stay in the mud hut and participate in the complete manufacturing process,” she stressed.
Her goal is to run a company that is solely dedicated to female employees. “I am aware of every woman’s potential, which must be recognised. I would also like transgender people to be a part of the team because they’re not easily accepted by our society. The basic idea is to grow together.”
She dreams of establishing outlets throughout the world.
Valerian apologised to the viewers as M.P Hegde, the second guest of the talk show who couldn’t take part due to network issues. However, he briefed about the activities carried out by him in his village.
M.P. Hegde, is an agriculturist from Magodu village in Honnavar Taluk and has succeeded in manufacturing 11 types of home-made soap from castor oil with the support of his brother and from self-research.
The main focus of the episode was to emphasise the village talents in the cottage industry. He has reached to the whole of India with his Mathukanthi products.
Harshita concluded to say that, “To all News Karnataka viewers, please support village products. There are a variety of brands in the world that provide high-quality goods. Give village products a chance to grow.
Most media houses welcomed well-known people as guests, and Harshita complimented News Karnataka for recognising village talents.”
Valerian and Rajesh winded up the talk show with the hope that Village TV will give Harshita and M.P Hegde’s talents the recognition they deserve.
