Sarla of Mandi: Milking Her Way to a Brighter Future for Her Daughters

In the hillside town of Mandi, the morning mist clears as Sarla Devi starts her day by lighting her chulha and greeting her Sahiwal cow with a soft pat. This daily routine, once just part of survival, has now become the foundation of her independence. Sarla’s life was once defined by scarcity. Her husband tilled a small patch of land, often earning just enough to put dal on the table. With two growing daughters and dreams bigger than their home, the financial pressure felt endless.

Everything began to shift when she started supplying milk to Thepahadansfarm. What she once saw as “just one cow” became a source of steady income. “I had never thought milk could mean schooling for my girls. But here we are—with books, uniforms, and dreams."

Her older daughter, Sunita, now attends an English-medium school in the nearby town. Sarla proudly shows the report card to anyone who visits.

With the earnings, she has been able to improve her cattle shed, buy nutritional feed, and even start saving for a second cow.

Conclusion Sarla is no longer just a housewife or a helper—she’s the silent engine running her family forward. Through her cow, her courage, and the support of Thepahadansfarm, she is changing what it means to be a Pahadi woman in the 21st century.