‘Start in UP’ supports women’s entrepreneurship; Yogi government approves a ₹10 lakh grant, with the first instalment already released
Students in six cities are using the ‘Hostels Near Me’ platform; a mobile app is also in the pipeline
Jhansi, October 2026: During the auspicious days of Navratri, when Goddess Shakti is worshipped in homes across the country, a mother from Jhansi is setting a living example of women’s empowerment. She did not merely listen to a problem faced by her son; she helped transform it into a practical solution and eventually a business venture.
This is the story of Anuradha Mehrotra, who now serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the startup ‘Hostels Near Me’. The startup has received approval for a grant of ₹10 lakh under the Yogi government’s ‘Start in UP’ initiative.
A Problem That Became an Inspiration
The story began with a common problem. While pursuing his college education, Anuradha’s son, Aryaman, faced considerable difficulty finding a hostel to live in. Thousands of students and their parents encounter similar challenges every year.
Searching for suitable accommodation in an unfamiliar city can be difficult because of limited information, a lack of reliable options and uncertainty about the available facilities.
Aryaman shared his experience and an idea for addressing the problem with his mother. Anuradha played the role that every aspiring entrepreneur needs from a supporter: she neither dismissed the idea nor discouraged her son’s enthusiasm.
Together, the mother and son began working to turn the concept into reality. That idea eventually took shape as ‘Hostels Near Me’.
Mother Takes Charge as COO
Anuradha’s contribution went beyond offering encouragement. She took on the responsibility of Chief Operating Officer and became actively involved in managing and developing the startup.
She says the idea originated from the accommodation-related difficulties her son experienced during his college years. Today, she continues to encourage him while also overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations.
Supporting one’s child is a natural instinct for a mother, but translating that support into business leadership is a significant achievement. The spirit of Shakti celebrated during Navratri is reflected in this journey—the strength to support a family and, when necessary, create a new path forward.
From Incubation Centre to Government Grant
‘Hostels Near Me’ is registered with the incubation centre of Bundelkhand University in Jhansi. The company was registered in 2024.
The platform helps students studying at colleges and universities find hostels through digital channels. It reduces the need to visit neighbourhood after neighbourhood in search of accommodation or rely on incomplete information when making a decision.
In 2025, the startup was approved for a grant of ₹10 lakh under the ‘Start in UP’ initiative, and it has already received the first instalment.
According to Anuradha, the state government has appreciated the startup’s initiative, providing significant encouragement to the team as it works to expand the platform.
Startup Reaches Students in Six Cities
The platform is no longer limited to Jhansi. Students in cities such as Lucknow, Jaipur, Gwalior, Indore and Meerut are also using it to find hostel accommodation.
An idea that originated in a smaller city is now helping students across multiple states. At present, the service is available through its website.
Following the grant approval, the startup is preparing to introduce new features. It also plans to launch a mobile application in the coming period, making the service more accessible to students.
Navratri carries the message that Shakti is not merely something to be worshipped; it is also a way of living and taking action. Anuradha has demonstrated how women who step forward to assume leadership can contribute to the growth of not only their families but also society and the economy.
The journey of ‘Hostels Near Me’ is still at an early stage, but the foundation laid by a mother’s determination and her son’s idea could inspire many more families in the years ahead.
