We raise a toast to all women, on this International Women's Day! Sitagita admires all women who have steadfastly stood for what they believe in, who have risen to the occasion and shown an inner strength, that only women are capable of! We bring you the story of Bindu.

Bindu was the average Indian housewife. She had two grown up kids, just starting out in their career, her husband ran a business, her life revolved around her family and she enjoyed playing cards almost all days of the week! It was a sunny morning in May, when it happened. Her husband Raj was trying to say something, but it was inaudible. He tried to lift his cup of tea, but dropped it, spilling it on the crisp, white bed linen. Bindu was non-plussed. What was happening? She called the family doctor, who said Raj has had a stroke and needs to be hospitalized. Life changed. What followed were long days at the hospital, consultations with eminent neurologists, physiotherapy sessions and mounting bills! At the end of three weeks, the doctors allowed Raj to go home, but not to work. Bindu had to dip into every bit of the family's savings to clear the hospital bills. It did not end there. She had to drive Raj to physiotherapy sessions everyday. Needless to mention, these were exorbitant as well. Medication for him was a must, and cost the earth too. Moreover, he was paralyzed and certainly couldn't go back to work. She was at crossroads. She had never worked, or been trained to do anything. She couldn't go out and get a job for someone had to look after Raj. What could she do? Her sister came up with the suggestion that Bindu start making chocolates from home. Bindu had learnt chocolate making as a hobby several years ago. Her sister lived in London, and offered to send Bindu the trimmings, gift packs, moulds etc from there. Bindu tried out her first batch of chocolates, and asked her friends for a feedback. They ordered 250gm each. Her sinfully delicious chocolates were in demand and Bindu was in business! Bindu graduated from simple chocolates to making innovative gift packs for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, give aways for Diwali / Christmas etc. Bulk orders started pouring in. Then came the corporate gifting orders. Slowly, but surely, Bindu was carving a niche for herself and her chocolates! What started out as a "crisis management" method, is today a full fledged business. Her two sons have joined her in the business, handling the marketing and packaging. She still runs it out of home, but has employed girls to assist her in making / packing. She also employs delivery boys who ensure the chocolates reach on time, every time!