2 Gorakhpur Lakhpati Didis spl guests at R-Day parade in Delhi

Gorakhpur: Support from the double-engine govt and a strong resolve to become self-reliant have transformed the lives of two women from Gorakhpur — Mansha Devi and Rajkumari Devi — who have emerged as inspiring ‘Lakhpati Didis'. Their success stories are set to gain national recognition as both have been invited as special guests to the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, said district magistrate Deepak Meena.A total of 14 Lakhpati Didis from Uttar Pradesh have been selected for the parade, including two from Gorakhpur. Mansha Devi is from Harpur village in Brahmpur block, while Rajkumari Devi belongs to Rakhi village in the Campierganj area. Both women leveraged govt schemes to achieve financial independence and improve their livelihoods.Facing severe economic hardship, Mansha Devi started an e-rickshaw enterprise under the Self Mobility Programme after availing a Rs 1.25 lakh loan under the Mudra Yojana. Along with operating the e-rickshaw, she also trained other women to take up similar work. She now earns around Rs 20,000 per month and has become a source of inspiration for women seeking self-employment.Rajkumari Devi, a homemaker, witnessed a major turnaround in her life after joining the Shri Baba Gorakhnath Kripa Milk Producer Organisation in February 2025, an initiative of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Starting with just one buffalo, she gradually expanded her dairy business to two cows and four buffaloes, selling 25 to 30 litres of milk daily. Now a Lakhpati Didi, she has also been appointed as a director in the organisation, becoming a role model for rural women.