Planting the Seeds of Financial Independence in Rural Villages

On 13th September 2025, our ISCI Foundation team had the privilege of conducting a Financial Literacy Camp (FLC) in the villages of San Khini, Kariawaty, Dhobat, and Mastura under the Kariawaty and Bhitarwar branch. This day was more than just a session—it was an opportunity to plant the seeds of financial awareness and empowerment among villagers, helping them take control of their savings, understand insurance, and plan for a secure future. With over 113 participants across the four villages, the energy and engagement were palpable.

Our approach to financial literacy begins with conversation. We start by asking villagers a simple question: “What do you spend the most on daily?” Responses often reveal common patterns—most people mentioned spending on gutka, bidi, tobacco, or other similar products. This seemingly small daily expense can have a surprisingly large impact if redirected thoughtfully. For example, we illustrated that saving just ₹27 a day—the approximate cost of one bundle of bidi—can accumulate to ₹50,000 in five years. This simple calculation brings a reality check and helps participants visualise how small, consistent changes can lead to significant financial security. Financial Inclusion in Action: Securing Futures through Insurance and the Lakhpati Behna Scheme.

We also delved into the importance of insurance. Many villagers were not fully aware of schemes like Suraksha Bima and Jeevan Jyoti Bima. Through interactive discussions, we explained how making a nominee is crucial to ensure their family receives the benefits in case of any unfortunate event. Using relatable examples, we showed how reducing just one bundle of bidi a month could cover the Suraksha Bima premium, and cutting down two to three bundles could cover the Jeevan Jyoti Bima premium of ₹436. The villagers were surprised to see that small daily sacrifices could provide a safety net for their families.

For women participants, we focused on the Lakhpati Behna scheme, which has become a pathway for financial independence. We explained that women can use the savings from Ladli Behna Yojna to grow into “Lakhpati Behna” status by investing ₹1,250 per month over 5.5 years at an interest rate of around 6%, ultimately helping them build a significant corpus. Many women expressed excitement and hope at the thought of creating a secure financial future for themselves and their families through these small, consistent investments.

The success of our program lies not just in information delivery but in engaging participation. To ensure villagers were attentive and involved, we mobilized participants through door-to-door visits, encouraging them to attend and share their experiences. Using regional languages, we communicated complex financial concepts in a way that was simple, relatable, and easy to understand, leaving no room for confusion.

Our FLC sessions also incorporated interactive plays, where villagers themselves became part of the learning process. By asking questions and involving them in the storytelling, we made the sessions lively and participatory. This approach not only kept the villagers engaged but also helped them internalize key lessons on savings, insurance, and investment schemes. Watching villagers respond with laughter, curiosity, and thoughtful questions reaffirmed that education is most effective when it is inclusive and interactive.

During the camp, we noticed the spark of realization in participants’ eyes when they understood that small lifestyle changes can lead to financial independence. Older participants shared their struggles in saving and protecting their families, while younger villagers were eager to learn strategies for starting early. There was a collective sense of hope, empowerment, and motivation that resonated throughout the villages. The heart of why our FLC programs matter

The stories that emerged during these discussions were both humbling and inspiring. For instance, a woman in Mastura shared how she had always wanted to invest but thought it was only for the wealthy. After learning about the Lakhpati Behna scheme, she realised that disciplined monthly savings could make her dream achievable. Similarly, a young man from San Khini village expressed his determination to cut down on daily bidi expenses, promising to redirect those savings toward insurance and long-term financial planning. These moments are the heart of why our FLC programs matter—they transform awareness into action, one household at a time.

By the end of the day, it was clear that the FLC program had achieved more than just teaching concepts—it had planted seeds of financial literacy, empowerment, and hope. Villagers left with a practical understanding of savings, insurance, and investment schemes, and more importantly, with a renewed belief in their ability to take charge of their financial futures.

At ISCI Foundation, we believe that every small step toward awareness and action can create ripples of change. The 13th of September 2025 will be remembered not just as another day of fieldwork but as a day when villagers of San Khini, Kariawaty, Dhobat, and Mastura discovered the power of savings, the security of insurance, and the potential of planning for the future. With every interactive play, every question answered, and every seed of knowledge planted, we move closer to our vision of empowering rural communities with financial literacy and confidence.

This program reaffirmed our belief that real change begins with understanding, participation, and trust. As the villagers return to their daily lives, we hope that the lessons learned will continue to transform habits, protect families, and empower dreams for years to come.

Empowering Communities Through Dedicated Collaboration The successful Financial Literacy Camp was made possible through the dedicated efforts of our volunteers—Muskan, Kartik, Aditya, Mayank, and Manmohan—who mobilised villagers, facilitated sessions, and ensured active participation. The presence and guidance of our Director, Mr. Mohit Modi, reinforced the Foundation’s commitment to rural financial empowerment. We also gratefully acknowledge our funding partner, Madhya Pradesh Grameen Bank, whose support enabled this initiative. The program was implemented by ISCI Foundation, promoting financial awareness, inclusion, and long-term security for rural communities.