In Nagaland's misty hills, Assam's remote forests, and Telangana's villages, women like Sukla Dey, Rabina Rabha, and Chukka Madhavi transform abuse, widowhood, and poverty into purpose through Usha Silai School
Meet the Silai School didis - women transforming their communities stitch by stitch. A look at how Usha Silai School empowers them to lead, mediate, and drive social change in their villages, inspiring others and reshaping women's roles in rural India
When women rise, generations rise. This holds true for women from Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and Tamil Nadu who turned their challenges into opportunities. Usha Silai Schools helped them turn survival into shared success, inspiring their daughters to dream bigger. Take a look!
The 5th Meghalaya Aajivika Saras Fair 2024 celebrated women entrepreneurs and their incredible journey. A special highlight this year was the participation of women trained at USHA's - Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS) Training cum Production Centers. From designing their own outfits to walking the ramp, many even brought their children along, turning the stage into a powerful statement of empowerment and self-expression.
USHA's technical expertise and motivational guidance have amplified their existing spark. Women who once struggled are now not only successfully running Silai Schools but are taking the next giant leap: establishing their own Training Cum Production Centres.
The USHA Silai School program has shattered stereotypes, transforming women from passive figures into active breadwinners in their families. By equipping them with essential sewing skills and entrepreneurial knowledge, the program empowers women to take control of their financial futures and gain independence.
USHA Silai School, in partnership with Public Sector Undertakings like, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) & Rourkela Steel Plant empowers women through sewing & stitching training. It creates financial independence, strengthens communities, and fosters economic growth.
As women continue to upskill, the world of entrepreneurship becomes more inclusive and diverse. Each new skill learned, every barrier broken, leads to stronger communities, and empowered women paving the way for future generations.
USHA's strategic partnerships with companies like Tata Power, Star Cement, and Godavari Power & Ispat Ltd. foster shared values that empower women across India. Initiatives such as training centers in Mal and Chamata Pathar have directly impacted over 300 women, equipping them with skills for economic self-dependence. These collaborations not only uplift individuals but also transform communities, promoting entrepreneurship and a brighter future for women.
Sanjay and Shruti have empowered women at the USHA Silai School, enhancing their skills and confidence. Sana Aftab's fundraising campaign aids marginalized women in Bandra and Andheri. Collaborating with Pratham, they teach sewing skills for economic independence, aiming to help 10 women start sustainable businesses. Since 2021, Neeraj and Amita Kapoor's centers have trained 68 women, generating over ₹22 lakhs. Ismail Khatri's donation of 4,500 meters of fabric enables these women to create products for sale. Together, these efforts are transforming lives and strengthening communities.

Kushalta Ke Kadam, an initiative by USHA Silai School and NDTV has entered its eighth season. The aim is to empower more women across rural India by teaching them sewing skills and helping them open new doors of opportunities for themselves. The initiative encourages rural women to become financially independent and entrepreneurs by taking up sewing and training others in their respective communities.
Since 2011, the USHA Silai School initiative has trained more than 12 lakh rural women through over 33,000 Silai schools, spanning over 20,751 villages across India.
The women earn Rs. 4,000 – 5,000 per month on an average, with the highest recorded monthly earning being Rs. 84,000 in a month. This earning works as a catalyst towards building their self-confidence, reducing gender inequities, and raising their stature within their families and in society at large.
From homemaker to celebrated teacher, Lakhi Debnath transformed her life via Usha Silai School, funding her daughters' education and buying land through tailoring
In Takkar Birpur village, Jammu and Kashmir, Kanta Devi escaped domestic violence and poverty through the Usha Silai School's tailoring training. Earning ₹10,00020,000 monthly, she now teaches women in border areas while inspiring her daughter Tanya to dream of a bourtique
The USHA Silai School Program empowers women across India by teaching sewing skills, enabling them to earn an income, achieve financial independence, and build better futures for themselves and their families.
The USHA Silai School Program empowers women across India with sewing skills, transforming them into trainers and fostering community growth and independence
Celebrating women entrepreneurs and their handmade crafts, empowering communities through creativity at the 5th Meghalaya Aajivika Saras Mela
USHA Silai School in Ramanathapuram empowers local women through tailoring education, enabling them to build businesses and achieve financial independence