What if one small idea could change thousands of lives? That’s exactly what’s happening in Tamulpur in Assam, according to a statement by LivingMyPromise (LMP). The organization highlighted how its partnership with Navoday Foundation has empowered women to build thriving businesses and rewrite their stories through mushroom cultivation. This transformative journey, fueled by collective philanthropy and innovative grassroots action, is turning a simple agricultural product into a powerful tool for economic and social change.
A Seed of Change That Blossomed
In 2021, the Navoday Foundation emerged as a standout beneficiary of LMP’s annual Dolphin Tank event—a platform that connects grassroots organizations with much-needed funding. According to the statement, a grant of INR 24 lakhs was provided to Navoday’s founder Purna Chetry to train 200 women in mushroom cultivation. “The idea was simple yet powerful: equip women with skills and starter kits, and the ripple effect would follow,” the statement said.
Since then, the initiative has expanded exponentially. Navoday Foundation has now trained 1,200 women, the statement revealed. These women, who previously earned Rs 3,500 to Rs 7,000 a month, now generate monthly incomes of Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000. Together, their collective earnings have soared to an impressive Rs 1.2 crore every month—equivalent to an annual income of approximately Rs 14 crore.
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Breaking Myths, Building Futures
The project’s impact goes beyond financial transformation. The statement noted that local myths about mushrooms being poisonous have been dispelled through awareness campaigns, creating a thriving market in Tamulpur. “Today, demand has skyrocketed, not just locally but even from neighbouring Bhutan, where traders are eager to procure these high-quality mushrooms,” the statement said.
Additionally, many women have reinvested their earnings, accessing microfinance loans to further expand their ventures. “The ripple effect is undeniable—families are thriving, communities are growing stronger, and a brighter future feels within reach,” the statement added.
The Human Touch of Philanthropy
Highlighting the initiative’s broader significance, Gunjan Thaney, head of LivingMyPromise, said, “This is the power of collective giving. What we’ve achieved with Navoday is not just about increasing incomes; it’s about transforming lives, uplifting spirits, and giving women the confidence to dream bigger.”
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Purna Chetry, founder of Navoday Foundation, described the collaboration as life-changing. “LivingMyPromise has been a game-changer for us,” she said. “Their belief in our vision has allowed us to create opportunities for hundreds of women. And we’re just getting started. With their continued support, we’re ready to scale even bigger dreams.”
A New Way of Giving
LivingMyPromise is not just a philanthropic platform; it’s a movement. Bringing together individuals who pledge to donate at least 50% of their wealth, LMP’s mission is to empower grassroots organizations that create real, tangible change. The Dolphin Tank event, one of its flagship initiatives, focuses on funding NGOs with budgets between INR 30 lakhs and INR 2 crores. “This approach ensures that funds are allocated where they’re needed most, maximizing impact,” the statement emphasized.
“This is more than charity; it’s about creating a legacy,” Thaney added. “Initiatives like Navoday’s are proof that strategic, thoughtful giving can ignite systemic change.”
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The Road Ahead
As the Navoday Foundation’s mushroom cultivation program continues to thrive, it stands as a testament to the power of innovative philanthropy. “From breaking myths to building businesses, the women of Tamulpur are rewriting their stories, one mushroom at a time,” the statement concluded. With LivingMyPromise by their side, the possibilities for further transformation seem limitless.
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