While many dream of working abroad, only few venture to leave lucrative jobs to pursue their passions back home. Pune’s Pratiksha Shelke has done just that. Having left a high-paying job in the United States, where she earned Rs 4.5 lakh per month, Shelke returned to India and established her own business, Jungle Bound, in the Shivane Warje area of Pune, Maharashtra.

A mechanical engineer by training, Shelke was previously involved in product development for car structures in the US. Despite the allure of a successful career abroad, she chose to return to India and leverage her skills in a new venture. With the support of her family and a grant from the Chief Minister’s Employment Scheme, Shelke launched Jungle Bound, a factory specialising in eco-friendly products made from wood and bamboo.

Jungle Bound produces a range of items, including office supplies, household goods, corporate gifts, and personal accessories such as laptop stands, mobile stands, and speakers. The factory emphasises sustainability by using second-hand wood and bamboo, avoiding the need for new tree cutting.

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 serves as an inspiring example of how passion and dedication can lead to remarkable success.