Prachi Kaushik is a social entrepreneur, who is on a mission. She has empowered over 10,0000 grassroots women through health awareness and revitalizing rural economies by entering into local sourcing of products.
She earned a Masters in Political Science and Human Rights from Delhi University and has more than a decade experience in community work and the Development sector. She has worked with government and non-government organizations for policy execution and last-mile outreach.

In 2017, she quit her government sector job and founded VYOMINI to build a robust ecosystem that would enable women-led entrepreneurship and leadership in emerging high-impact sectors including clean energy, agriculture and nutrition, health and sanitation. She has received many awards and accolades for her community work.

Inspire Inclusion

Prachi Kaushik inspires, educates and builds socially-minded women entrepreneurs who generate income, enhance women’s leadership, and create social impact and environmental gains within marginal communities. The core of her belief is that excluded and resource-poor communities can be revitalized through economic growth and social progress if only the true potential of grassroots women entrepreneurs is realized and tapped. Here, Prachi Kaushik talks to TheGlitz about her community work and more.

Over To Prachi Kaushik

Your journey has had many momentous milestones. Could you tell us about the life-changing milestones that have moulded you to be what you are today?

Life has been a journey filled with vulnerabilities for me, growing up in a humble family but with strong values. We faced numerous hurdles, teaching me early that the path isn’t always rosy; struggles are a part of the journey, and the survival of the fittest theory is a real-life lesson in staying updated and resilient.

Uplifting fellow women and providing them with a platform to work has been a significant undertaking. Starting a social enterprise was no walk in the park, and financial stability emerged as one of the biggest setbacks. Creativity and resourcefulness became my allies in overcoming this hurdle. I focused on building a supportive community and tapped into crowdfunding and grants to fund our projects. This experience emphasized the value of collaboration and the importance of seeking help when needed – because no entrepreneur can navigate the challenges alone.

My journey in the social sector has ingrained the belief that empowering women is a catalyst for transforming communities. At Vyomini, our approach is multifaceted. We provide training and education in crucial areas such as entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and personal development. This empowers women with the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Additionally, we actively engage with local communities to raise awareness about issues impacting women, fostering a collective understanding and support.

Being a social entrepreneur has its fair share of challenges, but each challenge becomes an opportunity for growth. Through the journey, I’ve learned that resilience, collaboration, and a commitment to empowering others are the cornerstones of creating positive change. The struggles we face don’t define us; they propel us forward on a path of continuous learning and meaningful impact.

What are the setbacks you have faced? How did you tackle these setbacks or challenges? And what lesson have you learned from it?

As the founder of Vyomini, embarking on the journey of a social enterprise naturally brought its fair share of setbacks and challenges. Yet, I’ve always believed in facing challenges head-on rather than letting them dictate the course of our mission. One significant hurdle I encountered was the need to convey our mission and the value of our products to the broader audience. To tackle this, I rolled up my sleeves with determination, conducting various workshops and seminars. The focus was on educating people about the vital aspects of sustainability and ethical production. Through this experience, I gained a profound understanding of the significance of persistence and effective communication in achieving our goals.

At Vyomini, my vision extends beyond just creating a business – it’s about laying the foundation for a sustainable future for women. I hold a strong belief in the transformative power of education and employment to not only uplift individual lives but to create a ripple effect that can bring about positive change in communities and beyond. By empowering women with the right tools, knowledge, and opportunities, we aim to contribute to a brighter and more equitable world.

I take great pride in leading Vyomini, knowing that every step we take contributes to creating a better future for women everywhere. It’s not just a business; it’s a commitment to making a lasting impact and fostering positive change.

When you look back, what are the three qualities in you that have helped you become what you are today?

As the founder of Vyomini, I strongly believe that having a strong sense of purpose, resilience, and empathy have been key qualities that have helped me become what I am today. Having a sense of purpose has driven me to create a social enterprise that makes a positive impact on the lives of women in rural communities. Resilience has given me the strength to overcome challenges and setbacks that come with building a business from scratch. Empathy has allowed me to understand the needs of marginalized communities, and to create meaningful solutions to improve their lives.

Who are the people who have been the wind behind your wings?

My journey has been shaped by the unwavering support of my family and friends. Their encouragement and belief in my endeavors have been my pillars of strength. However, the most profound influence on my life has been my Gurudev, Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji, whose blessings have instilled in me the purpose of serving humanity. It is through their guidance and support that I find the inspiration and motivation to pursue a path dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Lastly, if there was a quote to define you, what would it be?

Action speak louder than words.

Prachi Kaushik