Shruti Nagvanshi: Winner of the 2024 Great Companies International Women Entrepreneur Award

Name: Shruti Nagvanshi

Business Name: JanMitra Nyas

Location: Varanasi , India

Establishment (Year): 1999

Category: Social Enterprise and NGO

Profession/ Specialty: Non Profit for realisation of SDGs at grassroots level

Website : www.janmitranyas.in

Social Media: LinkedIn

Company Detail:

In 2017, Shruti Nagvanshi and her team at JanMitra Nyas undertook a significant initiative aimed at addressing the pressing issue of children's health in marginalized communities. With the generous support of Child Rights and You (CRY), they selected 50 villages and several slums across four blocks within the Varanasi district for focused intervention.

Through targeted efforts and community engagement, they worked tirelessly to improve the health outcomes of children in these underserved areas. Their interventions encompassed various aspects of maternal, neonatal, and child health, including healthcare access, nutritional support, and awareness campaigns.

It is reported that as a result of their collective endeavors, there has been a noticeable decline in maternal, neonatal, and malnourished deaths within these communities. This positive impact underscores the effectiveness of their approach and the importance of tailored interventions in addressing the healthcare needs of marginalized populations.

JanMitra Nyas is immensely grateful for the invaluable support and collaboration of CRY, whose partnership has been instrumental in driving these positive changes. Together, they remain committed to furthering their efforts to ensure the well-being and health equity of all children, especially those living in the most vulnerable circumstances.

Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage:

Their initiative stands out as a model for replication, setting a benchmark for effective intervention in grassroots communities. What distinguishes them is their proven track record of success and the widespread adoption of their approach by other organizations and government agencies. By implementing their methods on a grassroots level, these entities are witnessing tangible improvements in the well-being of marginalized communities.

Their competitive advantage lies in their ability to demonstrate measurable results and provide a roadmap for sustainable change. Through innovative strategies and collaborative partnerships, they have established themselves as leaders in the field, driving impactful interventions that address the most pressing issues faced by underserved populations.

By leveraging their model for replication, they not only amplify their impact but also empower others to make a meaningful difference in their communities. This scalability and adaptability make their initiative a compelling choice for stakeholders seeking effective solutions to complex social challenges.

Challenges Faced During the Journey:

The journey towards their goals has been marked by several significant challenges, the most prominent of which include:

·         Shortage of Funds: Navigating through limited financial resources has been a persistent challenge. Securing adequate funding to sustain their initiatives and scale up their impact has often been a hurdle, requiring creative budgeting and resource mobilization strategies.

·         Attacks by Antisocial, Feudal, and Patriarchal Forces: Their efforts to promote social justice and empower marginalized communities have sometimes been met with resistance from various quarters. Attacks by antisocial elements, entrenched feudal structures, and entrenched patriarchal systems have posed threats to their team members and impeded their progress. Overcoming these challenges has required resilience, solidarity, and strategic engagement with stakeholders.

Despite these obstacles, their commitment to their mission remains unwavering. They continue to persevere, driven by their dedication to creating positive change and advancing the rights and well-being of all individuals, regardless of the challenges they encounter along the way.

Advice for Women Entrepreneurs:

For women entrepreneurs embarking on their journey, here's some valuable advice to consider:

·         Patient, Thorough Planning: Take the time to engage in patient and thorough planning. Conduct a comprehensive SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis to gain insights into your business's internal capabilities and external environment. This analytical approach will help identify key areas of focus and develop a well-informed strategy.

·         Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with stakeholders at every stage of your entrepreneurial venture. Whether it's customers, suppliers, investors, or community members, their input and support can be invaluable. Building strong relationships and actively involving stakeholders in decision-making processes can foster trust, collaboration, and long-term success.

·         Maximize Opportunities: Identify and capitalize on opportunities that align with your strengths and objectives. Stay attuned to market trends, emerging technologies, and evolving consumer preferences. By remaining proactive and adaptable, you can position your business to seize opportunities as they arise and stay ahead of the competition.

·         Mitigate Risks Effectively: Anticipate and address potential threats to your business early on. Whether it's market volatility, regulatory changes, or competitive pressures, understanding and mitigating risks is crucial for long-term sustainability. Implement contingency plans, diversify revenue streams, and stay vigilant to minimize the impact of unforeseen challenges.

·         Foster Resilience and Perseverance: Entrepreneurship can be a challenging and unpredictable journey. Cultivate resilience and perseverance to overcome obstacles and setbacks along the way. Stay focused on your goals, maintain a positive mindset, and embrace failure as an opportunity for learning and growth. Remember, every challenge encountered is an opportunity to emerge stronger and more resilient.