From Small Savings to Big Dreams: A Day of Financial Awakening in Barai, Thar, and Panihar

Date: 30 September 2025

Villages Covered: Barai, Thar, Panihar

Branch: Panihar, Shankarpur

Total Participants: 67

On a quiet September morning, the villages of Barai, Thar, and Panihar came together for something more than just a meeting. Under the shade of familiar surroundings, men and women gathered not as students in a classroom, but as families, workers, mothers, elders, and dreamers—each carrying their own financial worries, habits, and hopes.

The ISCI Foundation Financial Literacy Camp held on the same day across these villages was not about lectures or paperwork. It was about conversation, trust, and real-life learning.

When Conversations Replace Fear

From the very beginning, the camp took a different approach. There were no long speeches. Instead, villagers were encouraged to speak freely.

People talked about how difficult it is to save when income is irregular. Some shared their fear of banks, others admitted they did not understand government schemes even though they had heard their names many times.

One farmer from Barai quietly said,

“Paise aate hain, par rukte nahi.”

(Money comes, but it never stays.)

This simple sentence reflected the reality of many households—and became the starting point of the day’s discussion.

Saving Isn’t About Big Income, It’s About Small Discipline

A major focus of the camp was encouraging the habit of saving through Recurring Deposit (RD) accounts.

Many villagers believed that saving is possible only when income is high. The ISCI Foundation team gently challenged this belief using examples rooted in village life.

Just as families save a little grain after every harvest for future needs, saving a small amount every month can slowly grow into a secure fund. RD accounts were explained as a safe, pressure-free, and disciplined way to save.

As the discussion progressed, heads nodded in agreement. What once felt impossible began to feel practical.

By the end of the session, villagers clearly understood one powerful idea:

Saving is not about how much you earn, but how regularly you save.

A Mother’s Realization: Lakhpati Behna Begins at Home

One of the most emotional moments of the camp came during the discussion on the Lakhpati Behna Scheme, especially among women participants.

Many women openly shared that the money received under Ladli Behna Yojana is entirely spent on daily household needs—groceries, children’s expenses, medicines—leaving nothing behind.

One woman from Thar shared softly,

“Paise milte hain, par sab ghar mein hi khatam ho jaate hain.”

(The money comes, but it all gets spent at home.)

The ISCI team explained that even saving a small portion of the Ladli Behna amount regularly in an RD account could, over time, help women build savings of ₹1 lakh or more.

This idea was not presented as a sacrifice, but as self-respect and security.

Slowly, the mood changed. Women began discussing saving for emergencies, children’s education, and their own future needs. Confidence replaced helplessness.

That moment showed how right guidance can turn government support into real empowerment.

Protecting Families Through Simple Government Schemes

The camp also focused on strengthening family security through government-backed schemes, explained in simple and clear language:

Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)

₹20 per year for ₹2 lakh accidental insurance cover

Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)

₹436 per year for ₹2 lakh life insurance cover

Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

Pension support for people aged 18–40 years

Elderly participants showed strong interest in APY as a source of support in old age. Younger villagers understood how insurance can protect their families during unexpected situations.

What once seemed complicated now felt affordable, necessary, and achievable.

Breaking the Fear of Banks and Digital Services

Many villagers admitted they avoid banks due to fear or lack of understanding. To address this, the camp included discussions on:

Savings accounts and deposits

Linking bank accounts with mobile numbers

Responsible use of banking services

With digital payments becoming common, villagers were also guided on:

Safe use of ATM cards and UPI

Digital awareness for first-time users

Building confidence among elderly participants

These discussions helped reduce hesitation and built trust in formal banking systems.

Cyber Fraud Awareness: Learning from Painful Experiences

A dedicated session on cyber fraud awareness received serious attention.

Villagers were informed about:

Fake calls and messages

OTP and biometric misuse

Fraudulent links and false benefit messages

Some participants shared real experiences of losing money due to fraud and not knowing where to seek help.

The introduction of the 1930 National Cyber Crime Helpline Number brought visible relief. Knowing that fraud can be reported immediately gave villagers a sense of control and safety.

Voices That Matter

As the camp concluded, villagers shared their thoughts openly. Some of the words that stayed with us were:

“Now we understand how to save.”

“Earlier we were afraid of banks, now we feel confident.”

“This information is very important for our families.”

The Financial Literacy Camp was implemented by ISCI Foundation with the financial support of Madhya Pradesh Gramin Bank (MPGB). ISCI Foundation sincerely thanks MPGB for its valuable contribution toward promoting financial awareness and inclusion in rural communities. We also acknowledge the active participation of villagers, which made the program meaningful and impactful.