Empowering Women Through Skill And Tradition: The Usha Silai Initiative In Karauli

For over a decade, the Usha Silai programme has championed the cause of women's financial independence. With the establishment of Silai Schools, the initiative aims to transform women into entrepreneurs, fostering their self-reliance and paving the way for a brighter future through skill development. Collaborating with both public and private entities that share this vision, Usha is working to develop an entrepreneurial women force across the country. In Rajasthan's Karauli, the Training-cum-Production Centre by USHA, in association with Maharaja Ganesh Pal Charitable Trust (MGPCT) Foundation, is reshaping societal norms.

Karauli, a small city in Rajasthan, also known as the land of red sandstone, has recently caught the attention of many because of its serene shrines, local markets, exquisite architecture, picturesque views, royal ancestry and vibrant traditions that dot the entire city.

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A stroll through its streets offers glimpses of Rajasthani craftsmanship, from the intricate zardozi work and Gota Patti sarees to the vibrant handblock prints and artisanal jewellery. Generations of women in Karauli have been custodians of these age-old traditions. They have excelled as traditional artisans, crafting iconic Rajasthani garments like Lugdi and Odhani, which has not only enriched the cultural tapestry of the region but also provided them with a means of livelihood.

The erstwhile royal family of Karauli has been instrumental in preserving and perpetuating this very rich tradition of handcrafts, especially for women, contributing to the cultural heritage of the region. Talking about the transformative impact by the collaboration, Vivasvat Pal of Karauli, Maharaja Ganesh Pal Charitable Trust, said,

Since almost 18-19 years, I have seen my mother working closely with the local women of Karauli, training them to stitch, making beautiful things like kurtas, bags, and almost making garments out of the cloth with sequence work. We just felt that, if we, Maharaja Ganesh Pal Charitable Foundation, collaborate with USHA Silai Centre, it would be beneficial for the women of Karauli.

Rohini Kumari of Karauli, Maharaja Ganesh Pal Charitable Trust expressed her astonishment at the quality of training Usha provides, saying,

When we were invited to Hindaun, and when we saw the work of the ladies, we were amazed at the level of training Usha was giving to women here. The trainers come and teach the women starting from the basics. The women will move ahead in their life if they get this kind of training and knowledge.

By training women in sewing skills, in a group of 10, over a span of 25 days, the initiative provides them with a sewing-based income-generating platform. The intention is to extend the professional sewing training to the poor women while incorporating the artisanal legacy of Karauli.

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Notable among these trainees is Shobha Jatav, a woman in her early thirties who begins her day tending to her family and doing her household chores after which she heads off with a sling bag on her shoulder, walking through the narrow paths of the village to weave her dreams. Balancing her domestic responsibilities, while pursuing her passion for sewing, Shobha Jatav, a Trainee at Usha Silai School said,

Earlier, I was involved only with household chores, and with my children. Now that I have come out of the house, I have a new interest in sewing. I like sewing and making household items like bags and clothes. I used to do it earlier too. If my children's clothes would tear, I would sew and repair them. But I also wanted to do things that would help me earn some money doing it.

Collectively these women are receiving extensive training at the Silai school. From learning all kinds of stitching patterns, drafting, and cutting to finally making products that showcase crisp and clean finish, they are now confident in their stitching and creations.

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The collaboration between Usha and Maharaja Ganesh Pal Charitable Trust Foundation holds significant potential for women's future, given the vast market for handicraft exports in our country. There is a hope that these prices will find buyers in India and abroad. The increasing participation of women will play a pivotal role in improving their livelihood. Explaining the same, Rohini Kumari of Karauli, said,

A lot of handicraft and embroidery work happens in the rural areas of Rajasthan and Gujarat. In India, there are many different kinds of handicraft work being done in various towns and cities. All of this is helping women become aware and involved. A lot of Indian products are also being exported. So, that will also encourage them and help improve their standard of living.

Apart from sharing the same vision of women empowerment, this partnership stands out due to the unique advantage of a strong local market presence in Karauli. Emphasising the unique advantage the women of Karauli possess, Mohanlal, Regional Manager, North India, Usha International Limited said,

The women have a different kind of advantage as there is an established local market here. They stitch uniforms for security guards and also, school uniforms. The royal family has its own shop, so the women here have access to the market here and don't have to worry about creating one. We will refine their skills so that they can continue doing the work, and within a year, they will be self-sustainable and will take this initiative further with the support from the royal family.

Beyond the realm of handicrafts, the Maharaja Ganesh Pal Charitable Trust has extended its philanthropic endeavours to include a school for individuals with hearing and speech impairments. Their commitment to inclusivity is evident as the trust is actively integrating young girls into the training programmes with Usha. Dhodha Bai, one of the trainees at the Usha Silai School programme cannot speak but she, like many other women, has high aspirations. Sharing her plans, Dhodha said,

My trainer used sign language to teach me how to take measurements for a suit and blouse and then how to stitch it.

The newfound skills instill a profound sense of achievement in these women at the Training and Production centre as they persist in their pursuit of self-empowerment. Shobha Jatav said,

I feel happy that I am able to financially contribute at home. I can help my children too. My husband does as much as he can but I also want to walk shoulder to shoulder with him. That will be good.

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USHA's partnership with Maharaja Ganesh Pal Charitable Trust is more than just a partnership; it's a beacon of hope for the women of Karauli. Through skill development and traditional craftsmanship, they are empowering the women of Karauli, by giving them a way to earn a livelihood and weave their way to a brighter future.