Black Maize is powered by the women of Project Unnatti, BALCO\u2019s flagship women empowerment initiative. It marks the evolution of what began as Unnatti Chaupal, a modest local fast-food centre serving chaat, pakodi, and regional favourites. Today, it has transformed into a fine dining caf\u00e9 with a seating capacity of over 50 guests, along with a private dining space designed for celebrations, gatherings, and special occasions.<\/p>\n
Speaking during the inauguration, Rajesh Kumar Singh, CEO, BALCO, said, \u201cBALCO aspires to create opportunities for the community, especially women, that enhance livelihood potential and dignity. It is a matter of pride for us that over 6,000 women from our periphery are taking sure-footed steps towards ensuring long-term growth for themselves and their families. I am certain that the Black Maize initiative will inspire many more women to come forward and chart their own growth stories.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Yet, what truly distinguishes Black Maize is the purpose behind every meal served. At the heart of the initiative are women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs), who once identified themselves primarily as homemakers. Through Project Unnatti, they underwent structured capacity-building programmes in culinary arts, hospitality, customer service, entrepreneurship, and food quality management, equipping them with the skills essential to run a customer-facing enterprise.<\/p>\n
For women like Nirmala Deshmukh, a Self-Help Group member under Project Unnatti, Black Maize represents personal transformation. \u201cI have come a long way, yet I feel there is still a lot I can achieve,\u201d she says. \u201cMy journey with Unnatti began in 2022. Over the years, I have witnessed a visible transformation in myself and my fellow sisters of Unnatti. We had the skills, but the scale of opportunities and confidence we gained through BALCO\u2019s support is something I am deeply grateful for.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bharti, another SHG member, shares a similar heartfelt reflection, recalling a conversation with her daughter that reinforced her sense of achievement. \u201cMy daughter asked me whether I would cook delicacies for her at home or if she would now have to visit Black Maize,\u201d she says with a smile. \u201cI am grateful to Project Unnatti. The platform I have received here to hone and utilise my skills is beyond imagination. I have found an identity here.\u201d<\/p>\n
The dining space offers a thoughtfully curated culinary experience, bringing together authentic Chhattisgarhi delicacies, North Indian flavours, Chinese cuisine, and local fast-food favourites under one roof, resonating strongly with the community.<\/p>\n
A visitor from Korba describes the experience as a refreshing tribute to local culture. \u201cI loved the ambience that Black Maize has created. It beautifully showcases Chhattisgarh\u2019s rich cultural heritage through both food and art,\u201d the customer shared.<\/p>\n
Over the years, Project Unnatti has strengthened over 560 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), creating pathways for financial independence and sustainable livelihoods. Today, more than 6,000 women across these SHGs are engaged in multiple micro and nano-enterprises driven by Unnati MahaSangha (UMS), the apex body of women-led businesses under Unnatti.<\/p>\n
More than a caf\u00e9, Black Maize stands as a model for sustainable, women-led entrepreneurship, one that blends livelihood creation with confidence-building and cultural pride. As BALCO continues to empower women through Project Unnatti, Black Maize signals a future where empowered women are not just participants in growth, but leaders shaping it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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