Where there is a will, there is a way

What a miracle of destiny that Deepika whose house hold budget was always riddled with shortages is now controlling the budget of Government as an auditor. It is not the post of Auditor but the way Deepika paved her way to it, is astounding. However it was not an easy task for Deepika. She was born in a modest household where her father was a labour.  He was gripped by a disease which crippled him and so Deepika’s mother had to nurse him for full time. It was quite difficult for Deepika to manage tuitions in one small room while continuing her own studies as well. The house was small but her dreams were big and so she started preparations for various competitive exams.  The books and resources required for this preparation was provided by library of ‘ Mahila Swawlamban Kendra’ (center for self-dependence of women) in Naroda, Gujrat  being run since last 17 years.

In 1993, the center was started by Dr. Hedgewar 100th birth anniversary committee which included Ms.Kiran Bahela, Ms. Madhu ben Prajapati , Hetal ben and some other swayamsewaks. Hundreds of girls have been trained in this center in sewing, embroidery, and bag-making. Many girls and women have started their own manufacturing units also. Since last six years courses like Microsoft office and Tally are also taught here, making many girls and women employable for office jobs as well. This center has done an excellent job for women from slum areas of Naroda in making them economically independent and gave them a chance to come out of clutches of poverty. 

In Gujrat, diamond stone setters have various woes. They live in small quarters and struggle for daily needs which affect education of girls of these families. Similarly, cart vendors or construction labours have similar issues. Girl’s education is the last priority of these families and the first thing to be cut-off in times of crisis. This center is developed to help all such girls and women. According to Mrs. Kruti Jain who teaches computer, attention is also paid on personality development. Various competitions like debate, Rangoli, Mehandi and singing are organized making them well-versed in various aspects of life. Festivals like Makar Sankranti, Rakshabandhan etc. are also celebrated. Experts of various fields come here to make them aware of society and their surroundings. Kiran ji, one of the founding members says that knowledge of health care is also imparted and free medical check-ups for T.B. and Breast cancer are also organized. Renowned nutritionists come to deliver free lectures about nutrition care in limited budget. Committee also provides medical equipment like water bed, wheelchair, Oxygen cylinder etc.  on refundable deposit basis but free of cost. 

This center has become a paragon of “of the women, for the women, by the women.” It is managed by lady members of swayamsewak families. A committee of 12 women including Chairperson Suniti ben Patel competently manages this center. Finances of the committee are managed by trusties. This center which started from a tiny one room affair is now converted into a building of three floors. Suniti ben appreciates the financial help of Sewa Bharti and Sewa International for construction of this building for center. Meanwhile, Deepika still teaches but now at this center, to craft brighter futures for many more girls like her.

Contact Person :Suniti Patel

Contact Number: 9408840167