Odisha's Mirjapur sun warms Suchismita Sahu's home-turned-hub, where 86 women have learned self-employment under her watchful eye. A 42-year-old homemaker in Bhadrak's Tihidi block, she joined Usha-SIDBI Swavalamban via Gram Utthan's 9-day training, receiving machine, board, kit. "From housewife to identity," she reflects, now Local Resource Person for 25 schools, Mission Shakti TCPC co-founder, ORMAS/PM Vishwakarma-certified trainer across districts—₹11,100 monthly fueling her engineer's education. Challenges melted: Usha's trainings honed her; Gram Utthan's Guru Prasad Mohanty praises home-tailored balance, teaching kin. Bijaynanda Dash, Usha coordinator, recalls 2020 selection: "Her style, enthusiasm shone; now statewide master trainer." Suchismita's greatest win? Sparking rural women's enterprises. Awards—Lakhpati Didi, RCT—cement her superstar status, proving recognition reignites grit.
Rajasthan's Baran dust settles on Preeti Prajapat's Satellite Silai School, where B.A. to M.A. bloomed amid trials. Post-10th struggles—family woes, no earning—Usha's training ignited passion. "No interest pre-Satellite," she admits, "but trainer urged: teach even one." Mother's support, Unnayan Samiti's guidance scaled her: trainer, LRP mobilizing women, FTF-I Stree Fellow for leadership. Shaadi torture, village taunts? "Mummy said: you're right, do it." Mohan Lal marvels: "Struggles forged her—from 10th grader to masters, innovator bridging NGO gaps, aiding 50+." Computer-fluent, she manages MIS, online meets—₹ steady, inspiring idleness to enterprise. "Usha gave platform," Preeti says of Bangalore immersion. Her journey: education, endurance, elevation.
Manipuri Maverick's Triumph
Manipur's Imphal hums with Akhirun's enterprise, ₹40,000-₹50,000 monthly from a school birthed amid mockery. Father unstable, brother gone, she shouldered parents, three sisters—discriminated, dream-driven. People's Development Society's Usha training: 9 days to machine, certificate, boldness. "No machine affordance before," she shares, now designer par excellence. Defying jeers—"What'll you become?"—mother urged: "Do your heart's work." Students adore: Sabera learned free 2 months, home-earning; Anjali praises finesse; Ghazala her heart. Awards cascade: 2022 MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan honor; 2023 Minister Govindas Konthoujam cash; October VCPC certificate. Thokchom Biramangol Singh lauds enthusiasm; professor credits BPL trainings spawning entrepreneurs.
Kushalta Ke Kadam spotlights these icons: Suchismita's state trainings, Preeti's fellowships, Akhirun's workshops (silk screen at ATDC). Usha's ecosystem—partners like Gram Utthan, Unnayan—nurtures: from learners to LRPs, TCPCs, icons. Mohan Lal: "Junoon overcomes." Suchismita: "Built identity, self-employed sisters." Preeti: "Change post-training." Akhirun's mother: "Proud she showed them.” Their wins cascade: communities mentored, families funded, traditions elevated. Awards—district to state—fuel: higher fees, bulk gigs, expansions. In Odisha's fields, Rajasthan's sands, Manipur's vibrance, they prove: skill + support = superstars. Lifting lakhs indirectly, they embody Usha's vow: empower one, transform all. Celebrate, salute these Silai Superstars—India's beacons of change.
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