Sectors of Intervention
Ajeesh, a hotel worker from the hilly region of Kannur district, faced severe financial difficulties during the Covid-19 pandemic after losing his job. As the sole breadwinner of his family, he was already under tremendous pressure due to his wife Soniya's cancer treatment at the Regional Cancer Centre, Trivandrum. Most of his earnings were spent on medical expenses, leaving very little for other needs, including the education of his children.
However, with prior experience in the hospitality industry, Ajeesh was selected under the Family Development Program and received support to start a grocery shop. Recognizing an opportunity during the CRP II Project, he planned to expand and renovate the shop. Just as he was preparing to scale the business, the building owner asked him to vacate the rented premises. Despite the setback, Ajeesh found a new building close to his home and restarted the shop, incorporating a small restaurant.
The shop now sells groceries, stationery, cool drinks, and other daily-use items, while the restaurant
offers tea, snacks, lunch, and a few special local items. The business gained momentum quickly, as the
locality lacked any similar stores within a 10-kilometer radius.
Ajeesh now leads a more stable life, with improved financial security, and continues to expand his
business based on the demand in the local community.