Widowed by Tigers, 500 Sundarbans Women Rebuilt Their Lives With 1 Woman’s Help & Fish Farming

In the remote, mangrove-lined villages of the Sundarbans, life is harsh, uncertain, and often tragic. For over 500 women, that tragedy came in the form of tiger attacks that claimed the lives of their husbands — fishermen and honey gatherers who never returned from the forests. In the face of grief, poverty, and social exclusion, these women were left to fend for themselves and their children with almost no support.

But hope came from an unexpected source — a Mumbai-based restaurateur and humanitarian, Neeti Goel, who decided to act.

The Forgotten Widows of the Forest

Known locally as “tiger widows,” these women are often ostracized by their communities due to deep-rooted superstitions. Without land rights, stable income, or societal backing, they lived on the fringes of survival. Many of them worked as daily wage labourers, barely earning enough to buy one meal a day.

When Neeti Goel, already known for her relief efforts during the pandemic, heard their story, she was moved beyond words. But she didn’t just express sympathy — she offered solutions.

A Sustainable Solution: Fish Farming

Neeti partnered with local NGOs and women’s cooperatives to introduce fish farming as a livelihood model. Using small ponds in village backyards and common community spaces, women were trained in aquaculture techniques. From building ponds and maintaining water quality to harvesting fish like Rohu and Catla, every step was made simple, replicable, and profitable.

What started as a pilot project quickly scaled. Today, over 500 women have become independent fish farmers, generating income, food security, and confidence.

Rebuilding Identity Through Dignity

Neeti’s initiative didn’t just aim to help the women survive — it aimed to restore their dignity. Training sessions in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and group savings empowered them to take charge of their finances. Many of these women, who once relied on charity, now sell their produce in local markets and supply to nearby towns.

Their children, once on the verge of dropping out, are now back in school. Small solar panels power their homes, and clean water filters have improved their health conditions. This is not just survival — it's transformation.

From Mumbai to the Mangroves: Why It Matters

Neeti Goel’s decision to step beyond urban boundaries and support the Sundarbans widows is a lesson in cross-regional solidarity. It’s a testament to what happens when someone chooses not to look away.

Her belief that economic empowerment is the fastest way to social change continues to guide her work. And in the Sundarbans, her vision has helped write a new chapter for women who were once forgotten.

These women, once gripped by fear and stigma, now walk with confidence — proof that one person’s decision to help can spark a movement of recovery, resilience, and renewal.