Transforming Lives Stitch By Stitch: Usha And Lions Club Siliguri Are Offering Skill Training To Women

In the bustling city of Siliguri in West Bengal, renowned as the ‘Gateway of Northeast India', a master's training class is underway with 15 women who are interested in sewing and possess basic knowledge of stitching. Under the guidance of Vishnu Sharma who has been associated with Usha International for 28 years, the women are learning how to assemble and repair Usha Silai machines at the training centre. This initiative is part of Usha International's broader mission to expand training centers for women to learn sewing and stitching across West Bengal in partnership with Lions Club, a non-governmental organisation providing skill-building opportunities not only in Siliguri but also in neighboring areas like Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar.

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The master training at Lions Club focuses on teaching the nuances of cloth cutting, taking basic measurements and mastering simple patterns essential for everyday attire. Reflecting on her journey, Ruma Moitra Chakravarty, a Trainee at the Usha Silai School said,

Yesterday, sir taught us how to repair the sewing machine and acquainted us with the names of all its parts.

Upon completion of the master's training, each student will receive a certificate, paving the way for better work opportunities. Nobnita Pal, another Trainee at the Usha Silai School shared her aspirations, saying,

I want to do something for my family, to build a brighter future by doing something of my own. That is what I am hoping to achieve with this master training.

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Partnerships enable the amalgamation of resources, knowledge, and networks, and it is evident here at the Usha Silai School programme and Lions Club Sui Dhaga programme, where both entities are working with a common goal of fostering financial independence and self-reliance among women. Shedding light on the collaborative ethos, Saikat Naskar, Regional Manager, North East, Usha International Limited said,

There are various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other stakeholders who conduct silai training at the local level. Soon, they felt the need to collaborate with a particular leader who is into sewing and stitching, therefore they contacted USHA Silai School to add value to their program.

Echoing the same sentiment, Renu Agarwal, President, Women's Wing, Lions Club in Siliguri said,

Usha and our members are providing training here. The support we have got from this partnership will help us take this program forward and all 15 women can stand on their own feet and earn for themselves.

USHA has successfully established that one single sewing machine can be the most powerful tool in empowering women and helping them attain financial independence. Usha's commitment to empowering as many women as possible through skill-building initiatives remains unwavering.

Their vision has resonated with diverse partners, each sharing a common goal. Institutions ranging from Maharaja Ganesh Pal Charitable Trust and Fathima School to Star Cement and Lions Club, though varied, have united under Usha's banner, to work for a common cause.

With an expanding network of partners, the Usha Silai Programme is expanding its reach, going from strength to strength.

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