Prerana Khanavali, nestled amid the lush greenery near Hasanamba Temple, might just be another eatery for an onlooker, but it’s a beacon of hope for four women and their families.
The Khanavali, operational since March 2021, is run by Dharani, Asma, Savitri and Shobha — all from disadvantaged sections of society. Set up with the help of donors, the Khanavali has helped them tide over arduous times in their lives. “The best thing is that today we are treated with respect,” they said.
Eight months on, they are confident that they can sustain the business and are now mulling to expand.
“We have a good number of regular customers as we do not compromise on the quality. We have recently started offering snacks in the evenings. On an average, each of us makes anywhere between Rs 100-Rs 350 per day after deducting all our expenses,” explained Dharani and Asma.
“Besides this, we are also taking up catering orders,” they added.
“It was difficult in the beginning due to the second Covid wave. However, we were supported by a lot of people — we received orders from individuals and organisations to prepare food packets for distribution among the needy,” they said.
Apart from the Khanavali, what brings these four women — who were either once unemployed or had to settle for jobs that hardly met their financial requirements —together is their struggles and dreams, an early marriage, poverty, and a desire to educate their children.
Separated from her husband after the birth of her second child, Dharani struggled to make a living and had to take up odd jobs. But today, her son is pursuing BCA at a government college in Mysuru.
Asma, meanwhile, has four children, and Shobha is the only earning member of her family. Shobha, who used to be a tailor before the launch of Khanavali, continues to do both jobs to support her family.
“Life has changed a lot after we opened the hotel,” said Dharani.
Besides running the hotel, they also produce several cooking ingredients, mainly masala powders.
One of the donors, Roopa Hassan, an activist and the founder of Prerana Vikasa Vedike hopes the success of these women will motivate several others. “This initiative is close to my heart. I am happy that we were able to rehabilitate these women. Today, they are entrepreneurs. It is the real change,” she said.
“Networking, gaining the confidence of customers, expansion plans including the launch of new services like catering or offering snacks is a daunting task. Inflation is adding to their burden. Still, they are tasting success in the business,” she added.
Donors include Ratna Naik, retired associate dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit (USA), Dr Savithri A, gynaecologist and obstetrician (Hassan), Taraswamy Hemalatha, an academician from Mandya, Venkategowda, writers S Usha, and Balasaheb Lokapure, district Scouts and Guides commissioner Dr Veerabhadrappa among others.
“Those who face social stigma need continuous guidance and support. Only then can they achieve success,” said Roopa.
