Every day, we are inundated with countless articles and news reports painting a bleak picture of global health statistics—a reality undeniably shocking and disheartening, momentarily plunging us into melancholy.
Yet, as the sun rises anew, we often find ourselves slipping back into the routine of comparisons, endlessly scrolling through social media, inadvertently chipping away at our mental and physical well-being.
In this cycle, the profound theme of this World Health Day, “My Health, My Right,” risks being overshadowed. Instead of fixating on daunting numbers and statistics, let’s shift our gaze to a more uplifting narrative today. Let’s celebrate how a homemaker embraced “My Health, My Right” with unparalleled seriousness, birthing a successful enterprise from the ground up.
This story not only highlights her journey but also shines a light on how she’s empowering and providing free training to more than 200 other women, seeding a movement of health, empowerment, and sustainable entrepreneurship.
In the verdant expanses of Sivasagar, amidst the rhythmic lullabies of Balighat in Nazira, Subhana Hazarika, affectionately known as Leena, weaves a tale of resilience, innovation, and culinary brilliance. A devoted housewife and a nurturing mother, Leena harboured a vivacious spirit and an unyielding desire to carve a niche for herself beyond the domestic sphere. Her journey from the heart-warming confines of home life to the entrepreneurial realm of pickle-making is a testament to the indomitable will of a woman who dared to dream.
Leena’s childhood was embroidered with dreams of creation and innovation, dreams that remained steadfast companions through the seasons of life. Marriage and motherhood introduced her to new rhythms and responsibilities, yet the ember of her aspirations continued to glow with undiminished lustre. In the tapestry of family and societal roles, her dreams shimmered like a solitary star at dawn, illuminating the path to her destiny.
A serendipitous train journey marked a pivotal chapter in her life; the accolades showered by fellow passengers on her homemade delicacies sparked an epiphany. Encouraged by Mridula Dutta, a music teacher who recognized her potential, Leena embarked on a journey that transcended the confines of a hobby, morphing into a visionary entrepreneurial venture.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sivasagar became the crucible of her transformation. Under the guidance of Dr. Toslima Sultana Begum, Leena and her cohort of 20 trainees delved into the art of creating pickles, juices, murabba, candies, and more.
This training was not merely about mastering recipes; it was about understanding the soul of local ingredients. Leena recognized the untapped potential of Assam’s indigenous fruits—Amla, Jolphai, Bogori—and envisioned a venture that not only celebrated these flavours but also re-introduced them to contemporary palates.
Suhana Hazarika embarked on a culinary journey that led to the birth of “Leena Products”, a testament to their innovation and dedication to sustainable food practices. The foundation of their venture was laid after numerous training sessions from various institutes and trials at home, where she began experimenting with homemade sweets and snacks.
Recognizing the abundance of locally available fruits and vegetables, Suhana ventured into the production of pickles, tapping into a traditional preserve method to capture the essence of these ingredients. Her pickles, made from both common and unique fruits and vegetables, quickly gained popularity for their authentic taste and high quality.
Not content with stopping there, Suhana pushed the boundaries of culinary exploration by developing innovative recipes. She turned her attention to what many would consider waste—the peels and remnants of fruits and vegetables. Through creativity and experimentation, she transformed these so-called wastes into healthy food products.
Leena’s entrepreneurial saga, “Leena Products,” is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Her creations—candies, juices, pickles, murabba, sweets, and laddoos—speak the language of Assam’s rich botanical heritage, elegantly presented to captivate modern consumers. Beyond the allure of taste, Leena’s enterprise embodies the principles of health, sustainability, and community empowerment. By sourcing raw materials locally, she has woven a network of support that uplifts the community, ensuring that her success is shared.
Moreover, Hazarika’s advocacy for the repurposing of plastics in plant cultivation emerges as a beacon of sustainable innovation. This venture illuminates the path towards environmental responsibility, transforming the narrative of waste into one of opportunity and renewal. Through these endeavours, Hazarika demonstrates how home-based entrepreneurship transcends mere business, becoming a powerful vehicle for environmental conservation and the embodiment of the zero-waste philosophy.
Leena’s journey resonates with the year’s theme, underscoring the importance of health in entrepreneurship. Her innovative approach to utilizing fruit peels and other traditionally discarded parts in creating nutritious and tantalizing products exemplifies a commitment to waste management and environmental stewardship. Leena Products stands as a beacon of health-conscious entrepreneurship, proving that taste and wellness can coexist harmoniously.
She was honoured by Assam Agricultural University for her exceptional accomplishment in the field of agriculture. She also received the Best Stall Award at the Regional Agricultural Fair 2022, which took place at Assam Agricultural University in Jorhat. Her accomplishments were acknowledged and honoured by the Rotary Club of Dispur on International Women’s Day 2023.
These honours serve as a testament to her innovative and trailblazing contributions in the fields of agriculture and entrepreneurship. In addition, she was bestowed with the prestigious Best Stall Award at the Krishi Mela 2023, which was organized by the District Agricultural Officer CUM PD ATMA, held at Krishi Bhawan in Sivsagar.
Through her training in food safety, hygiene, and packaging, she not only shares knowledge but also motivates a new generation to pursue sustainable and health-focused culinary endeavours.
Subhana Hazarika’s story is a narrative of courage, innovation, and unwavering determination. In the world of entrepreneurship, she is not just a maker of pickles; she is a cultivator of health, a nurturer of dreams, and a harbinger of change. Her journey, aligned with the ethos of World Health Day 2024, reminds us that at the heart of health, there lies the potent force of human will and the transformative power of sustainable practices.
Empowering women entrepreneurs is not just about fostering economic growth; it’s about nurturing the seeds of health and well-being in our world. On World Health Day, let’s celebrate the strength and innovation of women like Subhana, who heal the earth with their dreams and nourish our communities with their courage.
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