RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, Nov.20: Suhashini Mahli, a postgraduate from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and a beautician is now trying her luck in the business of Mahua products and Hodopathy Ethno Medicine.
Her initiative reflected on Friday after she opened a retail outlet of Mahua product, Mahua Cake Point, and Hodopathy Ethno Medicine centre on the ground floor of Pradhan Tower on Kutiyatu Chowk. The outlet of Mahua cake is associated with Latofolia Enterprises, which works in the field of production of items made of Mahua and Madua like Laddu, Pickle, Jelly besides others.
Local MLA Rajesh Kacchap inaugurated the outlet by cutting a cake made of Mahua.
Mahli confirmed her business initiative saying being a tribal she wants to get herself engaged in the business of items produced in Jharkhand.
“I am a beautician and also have knowledge of music. After remaining unsuccessful in getting admission in medical college after my intermediate due to an eye problem, I did my graduation in History from Ranchi University and also did post graduation from IGNOU in the same subject. Thus I have an idea of science and arts both. Thus exploring possibilities in the face of challenge, apart from running a beauty parlour and training centre, I decided to do business with Mahua products and tribal medicines. Being a tribal, I think such products will help me grow as an entrepreneur in the long run,” Mahli said.
Asked about the price, he said “cake price ranges between Rs 160 to Rs 550 now but it can vary according to the demand of the customers.”
Asked about the business hours, Mahli said: “The outlet is open at 10.30am and remains open till 6pm.”
A locality resident, Anand Masih Lakra, welcomed the initiative saying opening has been done at the right time and luck will support one can expect good business this Xmas from the shop.
Vasvi Kiro, an entrepreneur as well as an activist associated with social work, is behind Mahli. Contacted for her comment on the development, she said that she wants local resource-based industries in Jharkhand to grow and it is an initiative in this direction.
“At the time of the inauguration of the Mahua Cake Point, a centre for Hodopathy Ethno Medicine Centre was also inaugurated there in the presence of Vaidyaraj Man Singh Munda. That will also be looked after by Suhashini,” Vasvi, who is also secretary of Hodopathy Ethnomedicine Doctors Association of India, said.
Mahua is known as Madhuca longifolia among Botanists across the world and a popular tree among tribes. Its proper use for the economic development of tribes has always remained a matter of discussion.
On January 29 this year, Tribal Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries (TICCI) had also organized a ‘Mahua Conference’ with the help of National ST/SC Hub, Ministry of MSME and a voluntary organization working for the tribal in the state, Torang Trust.
Those remained present in the programme included finance minister of Hemant Soren government, Rameshwar Oraon, besides TICCI Jharkhand chapter president, Baidyanath Mandi, former chief scientist of NBRI, Anil Kumar Goel, regional manager of TRIFED, Shailendra Raju besides others and they deliberated in details regarding the importance of the natural resource of the state.
Kunul Kandir, a professor of Ranchi University, Botany department having personal experience of using different parts of Mahua for the benefit of humankind, said each part of the plant has medicinal and nutritional value and can be used to heal wounds, control diabetes, improve hemoglobin level, cure skin disease, recover bronchitis, stomach ache besides the production of biodiesel.
