How USHA Silai School Didis Are Stitching Freedom And Transforming Rural India

From remote villages to busy small towns, women across India are rewriting their futures with the help of the USHA Silai School Program. What started as a sewing class has blossomed into a movement where women earn, lead, and inspire. To expand this circle of empowerment, USHA now trains its own Silai School entrepreneurs as Master Trainers, ensuring every skilled woman becomes a mentor for many more. These Silai School Didis are stitching together stronger families and stronger communities. In an episode of Usha Kushalta ke Kadam, NDTV followed the journeys of three extraordinary women: Lalita, Yashira, and Pushpkala.

Jharkhand: Lalita Kumari

In the traditional Oraon tribal community of Jharkhand, women's roles are often confined to the home. But Lalita Kumari, from Patratoli village in Lohardaga, chose a different path. Lalita recalls her early life,

Before joining the Usha Silai School, my life was like that of a simple housewife… I had studied nursing, but after marriage night shifts became impossible. Someone suggested I go for sewing training in Ranchi. I said I wouldn't go alone, so two of my friends also applied with me. After nine days of training, each of us returned with a sewing machine.

It wasn't easy. There were doubts, criticism, and hesitation from her community.

When I started going to the shop for work, people said women from our Adivasi community cannot progress. But I ignored them and continued forward.

Soon, Lalita began teaching other women. She said, 

When my students opened their own shops and earned money, I felt proud, like planting a tree and watching it bear fruit. I teach them more than sewing, how to speak, how to earn, how not to depend on anyone, and how not to be afraid.

Manita Oraon, her student, said, “Seeing Lalita didi, I want to open my own shop one day.” Another student, Gange Kumari, said, “I used to work as a construction labourer. Now, after learning from Lalita didi, I run my home on my own income.” Lalita also revived the traditional Laal Paar saree, once fading from the Oraon community.

Our traditional attire had disappeared. I tried using social media to bring it back. When people come to me during festivals to collect their dresses, I feel proud that our culture has returned.

Today, Lalita is the Secretary of the Mahila Mandal, a respected voice in village meetings, and a trusted advisor to NGOs and officials.

Bihar: Yashira

Anjum In Gaya, Bihar, Yashira Anjum's life once felt suffocating. She grew up in a community where girls were rarely allowed to step outside their homes.

My life was very difficult. I wanted to study, but I was not allowed to go out. After matric exams, I was married off. Even after marriage, no one allowed me to step outside to work.

In 2019, everything changed when she was introduced to the Usha Silai School through the Bhojpur Mahila Kala Kendra. “My husband didn't allow it at first, but I insisted on going to see what it was about,” she said. She returned with a sewing machine, certificate, and Silai School board. Within two days, 20 women enrolled to learn from her. She helped other women open their own centres. "I wanted other women to stand on their feet. Many women now earn Rs 20,000-25,000 a month,” she said.

Today, she has trained over 5,000 women and collaborates with NGOs like Save the Children and Pratham. She earns Rs 30,000-35,000 a month and plays an active role in local governance. Her student, Anjali Kumari, shared,

Earlier I earned only ₹2,000–3,000. Now I earn up to Rs 10,000 a month.

Ummul Khair Fatma said, “After learning from Yashira, we can earn when needed and don't have to depend on anyone.” Yashira said, “If we teach skills to many women, that skill stays with them forever, it never fades.”

Telangana: Pushpakala

In Vikarabad district, Telangana, Pushpakala's life was once confined to her home. Her family survived on her husband's limited income, and she dreamed of contributing but didn't know how. Everything changed when she joined the Usha Silai School through the KP Foundation. Her coordinator remembers,

She was very shy and dependent. After joining Usha, she gained confidence and learned how to run a business.

With one sewing machine, she started at home. Today, she trains nearly 40 women, many earning their own income. With guidance, she began taking government uniform orders and expanded her business. Today, her family earns Rs 1.5-2 lakh per month. Her NGO partner explained,

Usha does not just train women, they support them with machines and kits. That's why women like Pushpakala have been able to open their own shops and grow.

Pushpakala built a new home, invested in her children's education, and teaches financial literacy to women. She helps resolve disputes, guides women on loans, and encourages them to dream bigger. Her students say,

After three months of training, I now earn Rs 20,000 a month. I am financially independent because of Pushpakala ma'am.

In her village, she is proudly known as “Silai Didi”, the woman who stitches progress. These Silai Didis are proof that one stitch can weave a brighter, stronger future for everyone.