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The Sri Sathya Sai Shubha Dayini programme stands as a remarkable testament to how skill development and community support can empower rural women, transforming their lives and instilling a renewed sense of confidence and economic independence.
From humble beginnings to showcasing their handcrafted products at Tata’s Bengaluru office the Shubha Dayini women have embarked on an inspiring journey towards a brighter future and how.
A Confident Showcase at Tata’s Bengaluru Office
As part of Tata Advanced Systems’ social outreach programme, the women of Sri Sathya Sai Shubha Dayini recently had the opportunity to showcase their handiwork at Tata’s office in Bengaluru. This marked a significant milestone for many of these women, as the majority had never stepped outside their villages of Uyyamballi and the surrounding areas before.
Undaunted by the unfamiliar setting, the Shubha Dayini women confidently displayed the diverse products they had created as part of their skill training – from ornaments and handmade soaps to paper bags and fragrant dhoop holders. Their enthusiasm and pride were palpable as they engaged with the 150 Tata employees who visited the stall, eager to learn more about the products and the Sri Sathya Sai Premaarpitham Foundation that had empowered them.
The employees were captivated by the women’s stories, listening intently as they explained the transformative Shubha Dayini skill development programme they had undertaken in recent months. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their admiration for the quality and craftsmanship of their creations. To the delight of the women, the Tata employees made a significant number of purchases, validating their hard work and the value of their skills.
As the women made their way back to their villages, their joy and gratitude were evident. The opportunity provided by the Foundation to participate in such a meaningful event had opened their eyes to a world of possibilities, instilling a renewed sense of confidence and empowerment.
From Goat Herders to Skilled Artisans
From simple goat herders with little economic freedom, these women began their path to economic independence in November 2023, when the Sri Sathya Sai Premaarpitham Foundation initiated the Sri Sathya Sai Shubha Dayini Skill Training programme.
A Hub for Skill Development
The Foundation recently opened a dedicated Shubha Dayini Skill Development Centre in its Vaatsalyam campus, where the 108 women enrolled in the programme gather meticulously through the week to upskill themselves under the guidance of volunteers and trainers.
This newly-inaugurated Shubha Dayini Skill Training Centre is designed to be the primary hub for these rural women to learn and perfect various crafts. The facility is equipped with the latest tools and resources to support a wide range of skill development activities.
Since its inauguration in July 2024, the centre has been in daily use, showcasing the diverse products created by the women, from earrings and necklaces to pouches, bags, mirrors, embroidery, tailoring, soaps, and decorative items. The fully-equipped tailoring room, in particular, will be instrumental in providing practical training in garment creation and design.
International Acclaim for the Shubha Dayini Programme
Notably, the Sri Sathya Sai Shubha Dayini programme has recently received international accreditation from the Grace Ladies Global Academy, US, for its outstanding achievements in the completion of the skill training for transformative livelihood for women and young adults from remote villages in India, across five skill courses and 13 villages.
The Way Forward
The journey of the Shubha Dayini women is a testament to the power of education, skill development, and community support. As they continue to hone their crafts and expand their horizons, their future holds endless possibilities – for these resilient women have proven that with the right resources and opportunities, they can transform their lives and inspire others to follow too.
