Q. When did you become interested in becoming a honey collector?
A. After completing a Masters in Social Work, I started working with Sahyog Pariwar, which is founded by Prashant Savant. While working with the NGO that is dedicated to adopting environment-friendly agricultural practices, I realised that the tribal population was getting shortchanged by the agents, when selling honey. I started working for the tribals and encouraged women to get involved as well. So, since 2000, I have been working as a honey collector.

Q. How did working towards the environment enter the picture?
A. When we started working our purpose was to educate tribal people. We also started informing farmers on how to save the honeybee. Most people think that the bee only bites but in fact the species play a very important role in preserving the eco-balance. Our main motto is to teach them the best techniques of collecting honey and selling it at the right price.