In 1972, during a critical drought in Usmanabaad, Solapur, many villagers left their homes in search of a better future. Among them was Shankar Khatal, a farmer from Lamboti village in the Mohol District. Despite facing challenges, destiny smiled upon Shankar and his family when they received a piece of land by the highway through a government scheme. This brought a ray of hope to their lives.
While trying to find work in the region, Shankar's wife, Rukmini, faced discrimination as she was not allowed to work in the fields due to her gender. Determined to overcome their difficult circumstances, Rukmini explored various options to improve their situation. After facing numerous obstacles, she decided to start her own business. But building a business as a woman, especially in a society that lacked support for female entrepreneurs, was no easy feat. Rukmini's courageous spirit led her to venture into the tea business.
Setting up her tea stall on the highway, Rukmini initially catered to workers and truck drivers. As word spread, her customer base grew, and she expanded her offerings to include Corn Chivada and other snacks. With the help of her husband Shankar, who entertained and attracted new customers, Rukmini's business flourished. What started as a humble tea stall on a Chulha (stove) transformed into a thriving hotel known as #Hotel Jaishankar, with the entire family coming together to support Rukmini's entrepreneurial journey.
Rukmini's unwavering faith in God Shankar and the support of her husband inspired her to name the hotel after both of them. Their story is a testament to the power of determination and resilience in the face of adversity, and it continues to inspire others.