Pannaben Shukla's Journey: Empowering Women In Surendranagar Through Skill Training And Self-Reliance

International Women's Day, celebrated globally on March 8th, highlights ongoing challenges women face. Economic, social, and familial hurdles persist. In Surendranagar district, Pannaben Shukla has become a beacon of hope for many women. By offering self-employment and skill training, she has empowered thousands to become self-reliant. This article delves into Pannaben Shukla's inspiring journey, her challenges, and her impactful solutions for women's issues.

Pannaben Shukla's early life in Surendranagar was influenced by her parents' dedication to service. Her father served as the district police chief, while her mother engaged in community work. This environment instilled a strong sense of service in Pannaben from a young age. She pursued her education locally and graduated with a degree in English. In 1972, after completing her postgraduate studies, she began her career as a professor at MP Shah Commerce College.

Pannaben's passion for reading led her to biographies of influential figures like Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi. Inspired by Vivekananda's motto, "service to mankind is service to god," she dedicated herself to societal betterment. As an NSS Program Officer for 25 years, she organised annual camps for 100 students at the village level, focusing on national service schemes and rural development. She retired as principal in 2010 and chose to devote her life entirely to social work, even surrendering her American green card.

In 1985, Pannaben founded Shri Vardhman Grih Udyog Mahila Mandal with 11 sisters and a fund of Rs. 1111. Initially comprising five working members, the organisation now boasts 200 life members and around 1000 working sisters. This initiative has transformed these women into self-reliant individuals. The organisation's annual turnover has grown from its modest beginnings to Rs. 5 crore.

The organisation offers training without discrimination based on caste or religion. It empowers widows and destitute women through skills like embroidery, sewing, and food processing. These skills enable women to earn their livelihood independently and hold their heads high in society. Many have become entrepreneurs by starting their own businesses after training.

Pannaben acknowledges that financial struggles were minimal due to support from family and friends abroad. Political leaders and local industrialists also provided financial aid when necessary. However, social challenges were significant as many women hesitated to visit the organisation's premises for work. Some preferred working from home but were encouraged to join the institution for better opportunities.

Once women began participating actively, they found employment through the organisation. Additionally, various tours and seminars were organised for their mental development. The organisation also conducts programs like hospital attendant courses, NABARD projects, dairy projects, social security widow rehabilitation training, vocational training programs, canteen services, and food processing initiatives.

Addressing Women's Issues in the Digital Age

Pannaben advises women on time management in today's digital world by understanding responsibilities and making optimal use of time instead of engaging in gossip or leisure activities like kitty parties. She emphasises that self-reliance can be achieved through skill training available online without leaving home.

With mobile phones accessible to everyone, learning new skills has become easier than ever before. The organisation provides training for this purpose while assisting women in accessing government aid for empowerment.

Changing Societal Mindsets Towards Women

Pannaben believes that societal respect for women increases when they are seen as integral parts of society. Education is empowering women across various fields despite lingering prejudices against working women in some communities.

The organisation collaborates with government campaigns to raise awareness about women's contributions and rights within male-dominated societies where respect is gradually growing.

Encouraging Self-Confidence Among Women

Women often face inferiority complexes due to societal norms discouraging them from working outside their homes. By encouraging them towards self-reliance through work opportunities within supportive environments like Shri Vardhman Grih Udyog Mahila Mandal—where members share familial bonds—women overcome these barriers naturally over time.

Utilising Social Media for Self-Learning

Pannaben highlights how today's generation spends excessive time scrolling through social media instead of focusing on self-learning or skill development opportunities available online—such as finding new recipes via YouTube used effectively by members involved in food processing activities generating income streams.