Indu Devi Sharma is a traditional masseuses and businesswoman, who through sheer determination and creativity has achieved her goal of economic independence. About three years ago she acquired a cell phone and that has increased her earning potential. (Click on the listen button to hear the interview.)

Indu comes from a family of masseuses and barbers in Uttar Pradesh. Barely educated, Indu has been working since she was a young girl. Indu's role model is her mother, who taught her to be self-reliant and be economically independent.

Twenty five years ago Indu got married and relocated from her village in Uttar Pradesh to Mumbai. Her first step towards achieving her economic goal was to open a savings accounts in a bank. She saved enough money to buy land and build a home in her ancestral village in Uttar Pradesh

Not satisfied with building her house, Indu came up with an idea of opening a corner shop in her neighborhood. The shop brings in enough money to run her household expenses. Indu's daughter runs the shop.

The introduction of cell phones in India has changed the lives of Indu's family. Everybody in her family has a cell phone: her husband, her son-in-law and herself. Her daughter uses the Plain Old Phone, or land line to say connected. The acquisition of cell phones by her family has helped them become efficient time managers and increase their earning potential.

Twenty five years ago, Indu earnen Rs 2 for an hour of her work. But about three years ago she saw a sudden demand for her service and her new customers were wiling to pay Rs. 100 for her service. The sudden demand was because of the fact that she was on available on her cell phone 24/7. This mobility has increased her earning potential.

She credits the cell-phone for unleashing her family's economic potential. She spends about Rs. 330 ($8) every month for using her cell phone. Her husband and son-in-law pay amount the same for their cell phone.

Indu is on to her next project on how to make money. She has some plans in the pipeline and I won't be surprised if it takes off.

Today, every member for her family is a earning member: husband, daughter and son-in-law.

Indu's story is fascinating for many reasons: she has not allowed her lack of education to be a show-stopper; she keeps herself informed and is unafraid to ask questions and find out what were the tools and methods that others used to achieve their success; and she uses the latest technology as a tool for her success.

Indu lives with her husband, daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter near Powai in Mumbai.

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