In a cozy room filled with the scent of roasted millet flour, women are busy crafting thinai ladoos. Jaggery bubbles away on the stove, infusing the air with its sweet aroma. Saraswathy Eswaran, a retired professor from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, oversees the bustling activity at Ramasamy Chinnammal Trust’s office in Vadavalli. Here, Saraswathy empowers women from underprivileged backgrounds through skill-based training programs.
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Saraswathy’s journey began in 1997 when she founded the Trust with a mission to provide women with opportunities to earn a livelihood. She believes that for families to thrive, women need to be equipped with skills. Recognizing the pivotal roles women play in both homes and society, Saraswathy emphasizes the importance of acknowledging their contributions. Through the Trust, she offers skill development and business opportunities to women from villages surrounding Coimbatore.
Over the years, Saraswathy’s efforts have impacted countless lives. The Trust has trained over 2,800 women, with 40% of them transitioning into micro-level entrepreneurs. Funding from organizations like NABARD, SIDBI, and EDIA supports these initiatives. Saraswathy not only imparts skills but also instills a sense of pride and independence in the women she mentors. She firmly believes that with the right guidance and motivation, women can unleash their full potential.
Venturing into the Trust’s units, visitors are greeted with the sight of women diligently crafting goat milk soap. Fragrant with floral scents, the soap lathers luxuriously, leaving skin feeling refreshed. The women also produce an array of other products including pickles, masala powders, instant millet mixes, biscuits, fruit concentrates, and thokkus. These items are not just commodities; they represent empowerment, resilience, and the strength of a community united in pursuit of a common goal.
Saraswathy’s impact extends beyond the walls of her Trust. Products crafted by these empowered women are made available at RS Puram Uzhavar Sandhai under the name Kovai Organic Producer Company. This venture not only provides economic opportunities for the women but also promotes organic and sustainable living within the community. For further information, interested individuals can reach out at 9944799995.
Through Saraswathy’s dedication and vision, women are equipped with the skills and confidence needed to navigate life’s challenges. The Trust stands as a beacon of hope, transforming lives and fostering a spirit of empowerment among women in Coimbatore and beyond.
Source – The Hindu
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