Prabha was born in an economically disadvantaged home in Bhopal district of Uttar Pradesh, and yet her parents tried their best to educate all the siblings. Prabha saw that people within her district would often abuse power to tread over the rights of disadvantaged communities, and this inspired her to become a Police Officer. She knew that she must educate herself in order to serve her society. She received financial support from her family for completing her education up till 12th; but after enrolling herself for a bachelors, she began to teach in a Non-Governmental Organization. This was primarily a part time venture that was aimed at making herself financially independent, and contribute in the expenses of her family. A woman with an intent to serve her society, Prabha continued to help her community by volunteering with ‘children with disability’.

After completion of her masters, she was married off at the age of 22. Prabha was raised in an environment wherein she did not face any restrictions from her family members. She would study, work and volunteer at the same time. She has a cheerful disposition with a warm heart, and she is confident and an extroverted individual. On the other hand, her husband was a different man – who would not allow her to go out and was rather introverted.

A few months into her marriage, she gave birth to her first child; and was elated and overwhelmed by motherhood. Immediately after the first child, she was pregnant with her second child. Owing to the responsibilities of motherhood, she could not go out of her house and work – and was busy managing and raising her children. She had always been financially independent so it became very difficult for Prabha to cope with complete and absolute financial dependence on her spouse.

While she was looking for some opportunity through which she could regain financial independence, she met a field worker from a NGO that informed her about Usha Silai School training program. She wasted no time, and was selected for the 7-day residential training program. Immediately after receiving the sewing machine, signboard and certificate – she opened up her Silai School in 2014. Initially, people were hesitant and reluctant to come to her Silai School.

For Prabha, it was always about working to make people’s life better. Her desire to teach, to make a difference in someone’s life always mattered more than the fees or the money she received. Initially, she went to Seemapuri, and taught women without even charging any money. Some of the women would give fees if they could, but she never asked them for a fee. She reached a stage where she could not even manage her daily fare and rent of the place; this is when her hard-work and determination was recognized by her community members. More students began to enroll in her class and willingly paid her. Today, if one were to enter Prabha’s class, they would just understand the dedication and support that she provides to her learners. The class is a colorful place with several samples like school uniform, a beautiful and ornate gown, a frock, a suit etcetera – inspiring students to create such samples.

Now after four years, she earns Rs 10,000 from her sewing & stitching orders. She receives more orders than she can handle alone, therefore, she also includes her learners as assistants. In this way, the learners get a ‘on the job’ learning and they can also manage their own petty expenses. Her class is as dynamic as it could be, everyone from a college student to a 45 year old woman are her learners. She is also teaching other women without charging any money from them (most of them) in order to ensure self-reliance and financial independence among these women.

Prabha’s husband has changed drastically over the years. From a shy and conservative to now an extroverted man who supports his wife every step of the way. He also helped her rent out a place for opening up the Silai School when she could not manage it in her house. The unceasing moral and financial support of her husband has been an important factor behind her success at the Silai School venture. She is respected all around her neighbourhood for being self-reliant and for teaching other women to follow her footsteps. In addition, the clothes that are sewed by her students during the training are donated to the destitute and poor people living around her neighbourhood.

Prabha is thankful to Usha Silai School and PARAS India as it helped her overcome her dependence, and sail through a very difficult phase of her life. It is important to note that one of the essential tenets of the Silai School Program is that it overcomes the ‘problem of mobility’ that is often encountered in our country by women. It provides an opportunity to women, who are unable to step outside their house, to earn an income and become self-reliant. Child birth is exceptionally beautiful yet challenging for a woman, and as child rearing is considered as the primary responsibility of the woman; it does bring a greater onus on the mother limiting her mobility and opportunities as well. Usha Silai School helps overcome these issues which may arise due to conservative thinking or child rearing and other household chores. Usha’s Program helps provides a way to these women to earn an income without interfering with their cultural and value based practices.

Prabha tried her luck with the position of a police officer again but did not succeed. Yet, she kept the intention and dedication alive, her work is more for her community than for herself. She is an exemplary teacher of unlimited caliber. She supports all her students in every possible way, by mentoring them and being in constant touch with them. Prabha is truly a change maker at heart, what she desires more than anything is to change the lives of other women; this is how she is serving her community. The satisfaction from the work is immense and there is a need to thank and support more women like Prabha; who are working with an intent to ‘Make a difference’.

“Teaching other women provides me immense joy and satisfaction. They become a part of my family, and I support them as much as I can.”
– Prabha