In the small village of Nandej, located in the Daskroi Taluka of Ahmedabad, one woman is making a remarkable impact. Punam Parmar, with her vibrant spirit and determination, has become a symbol of empowerment for women in Gujarat. She runs the Gopi Fast Food catering service at the L.D. Engineering College canteen, serving delicious meals to students every day. Punam’s journey to success is a testament to how women can thrive with the right support and opportunities.
Punam’s story begins with her humble education, having only completed up to the tenth grade. However, she is a true example of how passion and business acumen can lead to success. Alongside ten other women, she formed the Gopi Sakhi Mandal, a self-help group aimed at empowering women in their community. With financial support from the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), they received a grant of 30,000 rupees, which marked the beginning of Punam’s entrepreneurial journey.
Before starting her catering business, Punam had a small eatery in Ahmedabad, but it did not succeed. After the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, she returned to her village and opened a snack shop in 2021. The support from the Daskroi Panchayat and the NRLM community investment fund enabled her to launch her catering service in 2025, operating within the canteen of L.D. Engineering College.
The Gopi Sakhi Mandal serves as a platform for women to save and earn. Each member plays a role in various activities, allowing them to earn a living while supporting each other. Punam manages the canteen with the help of eight to ten other women, ensuring that all necessary supplies and operations run smoothly. Often, her children also lend a hand, fostering a family atmosphere.
The canteen operates from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM, offering a range of affordable meals, including Gujarati, Punjabi, and Kathiawadi thalis, along with popular snacks such as dabeli, vada pav, sandwiches, and dhokla. This variety ensures that students have nutritious and tasty options. Punam’s canteen has become a hub for students, who appreciate the home-like, simple meals served by her and her team.
Punam’s daily earnings from the canteen are around 10,000 rupees, a significant contribution to her family’s income. Through her efforts, she not only supports her family but also provides employment opportunities for other women in her community. The financial stability brought about by her enterprise has been a life-changing factor for Punam and her peers.
Punam’s rise as an entrepreneur highlights the importance of self-reliance and confidence among women in Gujarat. With the help of government loans and community support, she has transformed her life and inspired others in her village to pursue their dreams. She aims to expand her business further, contributing to the growing movement of women empowerment in the region.
In conclusion, Punam Parmar’s journey is a beacon of hope for many women in Gujarat. Her story illustrates that with perseverance, support, and a strong community, women can achieve great things. As more women like Punam step forward, the landscape of entrepreneurship in Gujarat is set to change for the better, paving the way for future generations.