From Doubt to Dignity

Sambari Naik's Empowering Journey as a CAVE Volunteer

In Kadadiha village of Shayamsundur Gram Panchayat, Sambari Naik stands as a beacon of determination, resilience, and quiet leadership. Her transformation from a woman unsure of her own abilities to a respected Community Agro-Veterinary Entrepreneur (CAVE) volunteer is a story of self-discovery, empowerment, and the impact of grassroots initiatives.

A Humble Beginning

Before joining the Nydhee initiative, Sambari had little belief in herself. Her days were filled with self-doubt, with no skills to call her own or dreams of earning an income. Life was difficult. Like many women in her village, Sambari’s role was confined to household chores, and she relied heavily on her husband’s meager earnings. She never imagined herself as someone who could make a difference in her community, let alone be the primary breadwinner.

This all changed when Nydhee started their intervention program in her village. As part of the livestock development program, Sambari was selected to become a CAVE volunteer. While the opportunity seemed promising, she was initially unsure of how she could contribute. Could she really learn veterinary skills and support her entire community?

Training and Building Confidence

With Nydhee’s extensive training and continuous support, Sambari slowly started seeing value in herself. Through workshops, she learned about vaccination, preventive care, and best practices in goat rearing. She was trained in diagnosing common livestock diseases, administering vaccines, and sourcing proper medications.

In the beginning, the work felt overwhelming. The thought of taking responsibility for all the goats in the village was daunting. Sambari even feared ridicule—what would people, especially the men in her village, think of her? How would they react to a woman taking on such an unconventional role?

As she gained more knowledge and began putting it into practice, her confidence grew. With each successful vaccination and each goat saved from disease, Sambari started to believe in her own abilities. The quiet recognition from the community and the gratitude of the households she served further fueled her determination.

Overcoming Opposition

Initially, Sambari faced significant resistance, especially from the men in her village. Many made fun of her work, questioning whether she could handle the responsibilities of a veterinary role. They laughed at the idea of a woman diagnosing livestock diseases, giving vaccinations, and interacting with traders to procure medicines. Their words hurt her deeply, but Sambari was determined not to give up.

She carried on, making sure every household in the Gram Panchayat received her services. Her job wasn’t just about giving vaccines—it was about protecting the entire livestock community from outbreaks that could wipe out families’ livelihoods. With dedication and hard work, Sambari turned her role into a vital service for the village.

Gradually, as people witnessed the positive impact of her work, the laughter and ridicule stopped. The men who once mocked her began to recognize her contributions. The respect she longed for finally came her way, not just from the women but also from the men who had doubted her. Her confidence soared, and she started holding her head high, even making eye contact with those who had once belittled her.

Becoming a Pillar of the Community

Today, Sambari earns between ₹8,000 and ₹12,000 per month, a far cry from the days when she had no income. She has used this money to build a new house for her family, ensuring her children receive a proper education. Perhaps one of the most empowering milestones for her was learning how to drive a scooter, which allows her to quickly reach different households during emergencies. No longer reliant on others, Sambari now navigates the roads confidently, knowing she has the skills and independence to make a difference in her village.

Sambari’s daily work involves sourcing vaccines and medications from local markets, ensuring she provides the highest quality care to the goats under her watch. She ensures that every goat in her GP is vaccinated, as any oversight could lead to the spread of diseases that could devastate the livestock population. Her commitment to leaving no family or animal behind has earned her trust and admiration across the community.

Looking to the Future

As a CAVE volunteer, Sambari’s role goes beyond vaccinating goats—she’s become a community leader, an advocate for animal welfare, and an example of how women can break through societal barriers to create meaningful change. Where once she feared judgment and ridicule, she now stands tall, respected, and confident in her abilities. She no longer lets anyone’s opinions hold her back.

Sambari’s journey is not just a testament to her strength and resilience but also a reflection of how support systems like Nydhee’s can transform lives. Through this journey, she’s learned that she is capable of far more than she ever imagined. Her story has become a source of inspiration for many in the community, proving that with the right tools, anyone can rise above adversity and build a better future.