When a Clay Pot Explained the Future: A Day of Financial Awakening in Rural Homes

Villages: Odpura, Tigara, Patharra, Bijakpur

In rural India, understanding does not always come from books or charts—it comes from daily life examples. On 15 September 2025, when ISCI Foundation conducted a Financial Literacy Camps (FLC) across the villages of Odpura, Tigara, Patharra, and Bijakpur, we witnessed how one simple tool and open discussion could change how families think about money, security, and the future.

This program was not about speeches. It was about listening first, and then guiding people toward clarity.

We began the session sitting among villagers, especially women and household decision-makers, asking a simple but powerful question: “Ghar ka sabse zyada kharch kis cheez par hota hai?”

The answers were familiar— small daily items that feel insignificant but slowly drain household income. No one was judged. Instead, we acknowledged that these habits are common and deeply rooted in daily life.

The Matka That Changed the Conversation

To make savings easy to understand, we used a matka (earthen pot) chart method, something every rural household relates to. We divided expenses into two clear categories:

• Essential needs: ration, children’s education, health, and electricity

• Non-essential expenses: bidi, gutka, and unnecessary daily spending

As we placed imaginary coins into the matka, villagers quickly grasped the idea money saved is money protected. When we showed that saving just ₹27 a day (the cost of one bidi bundle) can grow into ₹50,000 in five years, there was silence. Not confusion but realization.

Women began calculating quietly. Some nodded. Others looked at their children sitting beside them.

That was the moment the discussion shifted—from “We can’t save” to “Maybe we already can.”

Thinking About Tomorrow, Not Just Today

Once the concept of savings became clear, we asked another question:“Agar kal kuch ho jaye, aapke parivar ki zimmedari kaun sambhalega?”

This question opened emotional discussions about family security, children’s future, and financial protection. It was then that villagers truly understood the importance of Suraksha Bima and Jeevan Jyoti Bima.

We explained these schemes in simple terms—how they work, why nominee registration is critical, and how families can actually receive benefits without confusion. Villagers were surprised to learn that:

• Reducing just one bundle of bidi per month can cover Suraksha Bima

• Reducing two to three bundles per month can cover Jeevan Jyoti Bima (₹436 annually)

This was no longer a theory; it became a practical household decision.

Women, Savings, and Self-Respect

Special focus was given to women and household savings. Many women shared that money from schemes like Ladli Behna Yojna often gets spent on immediate needs, leaving nothing for the future.

We introduced the Lakhpati Behna concept in a grounded way. Women were explained that by saving ₹1,250 per month for 5.5 years, at an approximate 6% interest rate, they could build a meaningful financial cushion.

For many women, this was the first time they saw themselves not just as spenders, but as planners and protectors of the household future. The discussion gave them confidence, not pressure.

A Serious Reality: Cyber Fraud in Villages

One of the most intense moments came when the discussion turned to banking frauds. As soon as we mentioned fraud awareness, villagers themselves began sharing incidents.

Several participants narrated how people in nearby areas were misled into giving fingerprints for free SIM cards or small benefits, only to later discover that large amounts had been deducted from their bank accounts.

This led to an important conversation on biometric safety. We clearly explained:

• Never give fingerprints without understanding the purpose

• Always verify before linking Aadhaar or bank details

• Immediately report fraud on National Cyber Helpline 1930

For many villagers, this information was eye-opening. Some admitted they had never known that such complaints could be made.

Reaching Homes Before Reaching Minds

The success of this FLC was also due to door-to-door mobilisation, where our team personally invited families, especially women, ensuring no one felt left out. Using regional language, we removed hesitation and built trust. There was no communication barrier, only conversation.

This program proved that people don’t resist learning—they resist being talked down to. When discussions respect lived realities, learning happens naturally.

Impact Beyond the Session

By the end of the day, the villages of Odpura, Tigara, Patharra, and Bijakpur did not just receive information—they experienced clarity. Families left understanding that savings is not about income size, insurance is not about fear, and banking safety is not optional.

At ISCI Foundation, we believe that financial literacy is dignity. This FLC reminded us that when awareness enters a household, it protects generations. The Financial Literacy Camp was made possible through the efforts of our volunteers, Muskan, Kartik, and Raj. who engaged villagers and facilitated active participation. The guidance of our Director, Mr Mohit Modi, along with the support of our CSR partner, Madhya Pradesh Grameen Bank, strengthened the program. Implemented by ISCI Foundation, the camp promoted financial awareness, inclusion, and long-term security for rural communities.