In the riverside village of Binodpur, life for Pranballav was marked by hardship and uncertainty. His bamboo-and-clay hut stood against the backdrop of mangroves and muddy waters, where daily survival depended on fishing, gathering firewood, and caring for a small flock of chickens. The constant threat of storms, floods, and wild animals made life even more fragile. Though he worked tirelessly, his earnings were meager, and like many in his village, Pranballav lived on the edge of poverty. Yet, within him remained an unshakable belief that even small steps could lead to meaningful change.

This belief grew stronger when the local Transformational Community Development (TCD) committee encouraged him and others in the community to take ownership of their future. Through moral value lessons on perseverance, self-reliance, and sharing knowledge, Pranballav began to see his poultry not just as a means of survival, but as the foundation for a sustainable livelihood. With guidance and a small boost of resources, he nurtured his flock, sold eggs and hens in the market, and gradually expanded his income. More importantly, he started mentoring neighbors, inspiring them to start their own small ventures. What had once seemed like individual struggle became a collective spirit of learning and growth.

Today, Pranballav is no longer seen as just an old man fighting for daily survival but as a community role model whose persistence lifted him and others out of despair. His poultry farm sustains his household and symbolizes the dignity of honest work and resilience. The TCD lessons helped shift his mindset from dependency to empowerment, showing that poverty can be broken when people believe in their potential and work together. His journey is a reminder that true transformation begins when local heroes like Pranballav lead the way for their own communities.

Thank you,

Written by Bharat, GHNI TCD Worker