Kurith, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaMane : Altitude - About 3800 mtrs ; 12500 ft
I had no idea what a Sea Buckthorn is.
If pressed, I would have guessed it's a sea creature (what brilliant imagination). But it actually is a shrub , the leaves, flowers, seed and fruit are all used as food as well as medicine. I learnt this from the most remarkable lady I met in Spiti - Lobsang Chhomo.
When I was roaming around Kaza, I saw a small shop selling products made by village women in the region. I asked about this enterprise. I was told that it was all the brainchild of Lobsang in Mane. And so off I went in search of her.
Lobsang was married at the age of 16 and that's how she came to the village of Mane. She now has two children, one of whom she has "given" to a monastery in, of all places, my home state of Karnataka. She is now in her thirties and decided a couple of years ago to start a village enterprise, exclusively of women to supplement their incomes. She had no capital, no business knowledge - just sheer enthusiasm and energy. She now has about 250 women spread around 25 villages to make what they normally make anyway - food and clothing products and she transports them to this shop in Kaza, sells them to visitors and distributes the income to the women.
This is a sample of products they sell - apple jam, apricot jam, apricot oil, a form of black peas, dried yak cheese, barley coffee and, amazingly, sea buckthorn juice concentrate. That's how I came to discover what a sea buckthorn is. Of course I had to buy a sample of as many products I could sensibly take. I haven't openend the bottle of sea buckthorn concentrate - I will do so when I reach Bangalore. Apparently its "better" than orange juice .
Lobsang is a delightful lady willing to chat on anything. I went to her home and she graciously invited me in and served me tea and snacks. She runs a small business enterprise where there is no internet, no real form of communication, no transport facilities, with village women and she is making a success of it. Wow !
Mane itself, is a small village near Tabo. Not at as high an altitude as Hikkim or Komic , but still its a high altitude village and with stunning scenery around. There is apparently a beautiful lake nearby which you can trek too. Of course, Lobsang also runs a homestay and she invited me to come again and next time stay with her family.
There is no end to the wonderful experiences of travel.
Sandhya Sriram
2018-10-10
So heartwarming Ramesh. While its fancy to talk about billion dollar entrepreneurs, whether you make a billion dollars or 10 dollars, the spirit of true entrepreneurship is what it can do to the morale and self esteem of the individuals it impacts. On a different note, it takes a very strong heart to give a son to a monastery.. hats off to these women.
indigoite
2018-10-10
@Sandhya - Absolutely. In my book, Lobsang is a great entrepreneur. As for the son becoming a monk, it is the tradition here. I was told the second son is usually given to a monastery to become a monk. A similar practice used to exist amongst Tamilian Brahmins, but it is long discontinued now.
Suja
2018-10-10
A very inspiring story of this enterprising woman! You have to tell us what your juice tastes like when you finally open it :)
indigoite
2018-10-11
@Suja - Oh yes, will do. Will open only in Bangalore, I am scared of opening it prematurely and it spilling all over my suitcase !
Anne in Salem
2018-10-13
Your friendliness and ability to connect with so many people is a gift - one that certainly enriches your life. And the lives of your readers in this circumstance. Am very interested in a food post once you are back in Bangalore!
indigoite
2018-10-13
@Anne - Aww, you are very kind. Food post ? What Post !!