BENGALURU, 31 AUG

In a world where stories of discord between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law often dominate, there emerges an inspiring tale from Neeralagi village in Haveri district. Breaking the stereotype, 50-year-old Dakshayini Patil chose a path of empowerment and support. With the monthly dole she got from State government’s Gruha Lakshmi scheme, Dakshayini set up a fancy store for her 23-year-old daughter-in-law, Kumari Shivanagowda Patil, offering not just a means of livelihood but a gesture of trust and care.

Dakshayini, who lives with her husband, son (Shivanagowda Patil), daughter-in-law (Kumari) and two grandchildren, couldn't bear to see her daughter-in-law struggle. Kumari had been balancing household duties while also working as a labourer on farms to support her family. Speaking to Salar News, Dakshayini said: “I saw how hard she was working, and I just couldn't stand by and do nothing. I wanted to do something to ease her pain.”

With 10 instalments of Gruha Lakshmi scheme funds, totalling Rs 20,000, Dakshaini purchased supplies and set up a shop at their home. The supplies included a variety of ladies’ items such as creams and bangles. “I did not want her to suffer like we did and wanted her to have a better life,” Dakshayini said.

The shop was inaugurated on 27 August during the month of Shravan. Speaking to Salar News, Kumari said: “I used to struggle to make ends meet, taking care of my two young children while working on the fields. But my mother-in-law saw my hardships and decided to help. We are like mother and daughter, and she put her love and trust in me to open this shop.”

The Gruha Lakshmi scheme is one of the five guarantee schemes launched by the Karnataka government, which aims to empower women by providing financial assistance to economically disadvantaged households. –Salar News