While many dream of working abroad, few dare to give up their lucrative jobs to pursue their passion at home. Pratiksha Shelke from Pune has done just that. After quitting a well-paying job in the US where she earned Rs 450,000 per month, Shelke returned to India and started her own business, Jungle Bound, in the Shivane Warje area of ​​Pune, Maharashtra.

Shelke is a mechanical engineer who previously worked in the US on product development for auto structures. Despite the lure of a successful career abroad, she decided to return to India and use her skills in a new venture. With the support of her family and a grant from the Chief Minister’s Employment Scheme, Shelke founded Jungle Bound, a factory specialising in eco-friendly products made from wood and bamboo.

Jungle Bound manufactures a range of items including office supplies, homewares, promotional gifts and personal accessories such as laptop stands, cell phone stands and speakers. The factory prioritises sustainability by using reclaimed wood and bamboo, thus avoiding the felling of new trees.

In the three years since its inception, Jungle Bound has achieved a turnover of Rs 50 lakh, demonstrating the potential of combining environmental responsibility with business acumen. Shelke’s journey is an inspiring example of how passion and dedication can lead to remarkable success.