Sarasu Ashok (38) from Channapatna runs a successful enterprise creating and selling bamboo handicrafts. She and her husband, Ashok are skilled artisans who have trained 7 workers to craft quality bamboo merchandise. “Seven years ago my husband and I would make baskets to sell in the local market. We wanted to do more, but we did not have the money,” recalls Sarasu.In 2005, she availed her first loan of Rs 7,000 from Grameen Koota. Over the last seven years, Sarasu has demonstrated exemplary credit discipline: regularly attending GK meetings and making epayments as scheduled. Thus, she could access larger loan amounts, borrowing upto Rs 30,000 to grow her business. Gradually, they were able to break into markets outside Channapatna.Today, their monthly investment is a minimum of Rs 50,000. However, her greatest accomplishment, Sarasu says, is educating her four children.Rashmi (32) did her Masters Degree in social work and now lives happily with her family in Bangalore. Kavya (20), Manjunath (18) and Prakruthi (16) are still doing their studies. She was unfortunate to have schooling only till 5th standard, so she is very proud of her achievements materialized through the aid from Grameen Koota.