Bengaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the inspiring journey of Bengaluru street vendor T.S. Ningamma during the 137th episode of Mann Ki Baat, praising her story as an example of how government support can help women strengthen their livelihoods.

Ningamma and her husband began with a small food business selling idli, dosa and sambar. With growing customer support, their business expanded, but limited capital became a challenge. Assistance under the PM SVANidhi scheme helped Ningamma upgrade her cart, buy ingredients in bulk and expand her menu.

PM Modi highlights Ningamma’s journey

During his monthly radio address, PM Modi spoke about Ningamma’s journey from running a small street-food business to expanding her livelihood with the help of financial support.

Her story was presented as an example of how access to credit and government schemes can help street vendors improve their businesses and increase their earnings.

The Prime Minister’s mention has brought attention to Ningamma’s work in Bengaluru and the role of small businesses in supporting families.

From small cart to growing business

Ningamma and her husband initially operated a modest food business selling popular South Indian dishes such as idli, dosa and sambar.

The business gradually attracted more customers. However, the couple faced difficulties in expanding because they did not have sufficient capital to invest in their business.

The lack of funds meant that purchasing ingredients in larger quantities and improving the food cart remained difficult.

PM SVANidhi support helps expand business

Assistance through the PM SVANidhi scheme helped Ningamma overcome some of these challenges.

The financial support enabled her to upgrade her cart and purchase ingredients in bulk. She was also able to introduce additional items to her menu.

These improvements helped the business attract more customers, subsequently increasing the family’s earnings.

The example demonstrates how access to small amounts of working capital can make a significant difference for street vendors.

Women street vendors in focus

Ningamma’s story also highlights the contribution of women street vendors to urban economies.

Across Indian cities, women operate food stalls, vegetable carts, small shops and other informal businesses that provide essential services to local communities.

Schemes that provide access to formal credit can help such entrepreneurs move beyond day-to-day operations and invest in improving their businesses.

During the Mann Ki Baat episode, PM Modi also spoke about the wider impact of the PM SVANidhi scheme on women’s economic empowerment.

Growing customers improved family income

As Ningamma upgraded her food cart and expanded her menu, the number of customers increased.

The resulting rise in earnings helped improve the family’s financial position.

Her journey illustrates how business growth can have a wider impact on a household, particularly when small entrepreneurs are able to access financial assistance at the right time.

PM SVANidhi and street vendors

The PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme was introduced to provide working-capital support to street vendors.

The scheme aims to help vendors access formal credit and strengthen their businesses.

Ningamma’s experience provides a local example of how such support can help a small food business invest in equipment, raw materials and new products.

Bengaluru vendor gains national recognition

Ningamma’s mention in Mann Ki Baat has given her story a national platform.

Her journey began with a small food cart in Bengaluru, but her experience was considered significant enough to be highlighted during the Prime Minister’s national radio programme.

The recognition also puts a spotlight on the thousands of small vendors whose businesses form an important part of everyday urban life.

A story of entrepreneurship

Ningamma’s journey is not only about financial assistance but also about entrepreneurship and responding to customer demand.

Starting with a limited menu, the couple gradually built their customer base. With additional capital, they were able to improve their cart, purchase supplies more efficiently and offer more food choices.

The combination of customer support and access to finance helped the business move forward.

PM Modi highlights grassroots success

The mention of Ningamma is part of Mann Ki Baat’s broader focus on individuals and communities whose work has made an impact at the grassroots level.

Her story stands out because it connects entrepreneurship, women’s economic participation and government support.

It also demonstrates how local businesses can grow when entrepreneurs have access to the resources needed to invest in their livelihoods.

Inspiration for other vendors

Ningamma’s experience could serve as encouragement for other street vendors looking to expand their businesses.

For many small entrepreneurs, limited access to capital can prevent them from purchasing stock in bulk, improving equipment or adding new products.

Her experience shows how financial support, combined with customer trust and business effort, can help overcome some of these challenges.

Conclusion

Bengaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Bengaluru street vendor T.S. Ningamma during the 137th episode of Mann Ki Baat, highlighting her journey from running a small idli, dosa and sambar business to expanding it with support under the PM SVANidhi scheme.

The assistance helped Ningamma upgrade her cart, purchase ingredients in bulk and add new items to her menu. The resulting increase in customers and earnings improved her family’s financial position.

Her story has now received national recognition, putting the spotlight on the role of small businesses, women entrepreneurs and access to formal financial support in strengthening livelihoods.