Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship: Taking women forward in various directions of progress

Here we talk about the inspiring story of Goa-based entrepreneur Pramila Fernandes whose business of cold pressed coconut oil and other products received significant support from the MGNF ambassadors in gaining momentum

IIMB is a business school with a consistent and significant focus on Sustainability and Social Impact. The school is constantly reinventing itself to stay relevant and contribute towards nation building. This direction includes programmes such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship, which is a Certificate Programme in Public Policy and Management designed at the initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India (GoI), and implemented in collaboration with State Skill Development Missions (SSDMs). The objective is to develop a cadre of professionals who will work towards improving the skilling ecosystem at the district level and act as catalysts of social change.

MGNF Fellows Shama Pradeep Kamble and Bindiya Sham Gadkar, who are engaged with South and North Goa respectively, have been providing significant and meaningful support to the district administration to improve the skill development program delivery.

Goan Naturals - Pramila Fernandes
Set up in 2021 by Pramila Fernandes in Ponda, a city in South Goa famous for its cultural heritage and scenic beauty, Goan Naturals is a unit that deals with production of cold pressed coconut oil and other products.

Pramila Fernandes, proprietor of Goan Naturals based in Ponda, South Goa, a unit that deals with production of cold pressed coconut oil and more.

Journey as an entrepreneur: The owner Pramila Fernandes says that production at the unit started in February 2022. “We buy coconut from the local plantations and sort the coconut based on whether those are with or without water, after which we discard the ones which are not fit for use. Then we process those with the help of the two machines that we have in our unit. We have now started processing for other people/businesses also. From coconut oil, we diversified into making scrub; and by mixing the oil and scrub, we now manufacture soap as well.”

She adds that the core benefit of cold pressed oil is that the medicinal properties are retained. “There are no chemicals or preservatives in our products. The oil is available in 200 ml, half litre and 1 litre packages. Our products are available not only in Goa, but in Maharashtra as well. We are also trying to make a foray into the Karnataka and other markets.”

Making social impact: As we all know, women supporting other women become more successful in business. Pramila Fernandes, apart from striving to build and develop her own business, has also involved other local women into the various processes of her business. “Forming such close connections helps me make my business thrive and provides a means of extra income to these women, who also get the opportunity to do something productive with their spare time.”

The magic machine that turns raw material into oil.

Association with IIMB/MGNF: Pramila shares that her first meeting with the MGNF Fellows took place in August 2022, along with other local women and few NGOs, during which the Fellows briefed the women about various ways to boost business outcomes. Shama and Bindiya followed up on this support by helping Pramila sell her products at Yamini 2023, the dusk-to-dawn Indian music and dance concert, held at IIM Bangalore on the eve of Republic Day, open to the public in the city. During the event, stalls showcasing products of entrepreneurs from different states that the Fellows are working with were set up, leading to the entrepreneurs making significant profit in terms of sales as well as highlighting the products/brand name.

Pointing out that the MGNF programme has helped her in myriad ways, be it finding direction, showcasing products or boosting revenue, Pramila says, “Shama and Bindiya really followed up on supporting us by actually carrying some of our products to Bangalore to be displayed during Yamini. There was good business there and all my products were sold, that too at the MRP. They handed over the entire amount collected from sale of Goan Naturals products at Yamini to me”, she says with visible appreciation for the programme and its ambassadors.

“Shama and Bindiya continue to support us to this day…regarding where and how to dispose waste, how to boost sales, etc. I look forward to further support from them and also wish that they too have a bright future.”

The sincerity, confidence and success of Pramila Fernandes is a reward for the efforts of the MGNF programme towards creating an environment in our country where women feel free and make full use of their potential.

Pramila displays some of the organic products made at her unit.