Dr. Bhavani Rao, UNESCO Chairholder in Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (India) and Director of AMMACHI Labs, visited the Amrita Sankalp multi-skill training centers in Faridabad, Haryana on December 14, 2022. At the three tailoring centers in Kheri Khurd, Kheri Kalan and Riwazpur, Dr. Rao interacted with the students and shared words of wisdom and listened to their stories. The students showed her an exhibition of crafts and clothes they made, including bags, children’s clothing and more. Dr. Rao was very loving to the women and encouraged them to open up and share their hearts.

Several women commented how inspired they were by Chancellor Amma’s humanitarian work and thanked Dr. Rao for her encouragement and support. One woman was so inspired by the interaction that she stood up and said: “ I want to tell one thing. You have given us so much love that we are able to speak in front of you. You are very nice.”

When it was time to leave, the women surrounded Dr. Rao hugged her and clutched her hands pleading for her to stay. They also made her promise that they would meet again soon, in Kerala in Chancellor Amma’s presence.

“Safe spaces can be empowering for women because they provide a supportive and welcoming environment where women can feel free to express themselves, share their experiences, and seek support and guidance from others. Our SANKALP centers have been transformed into safe spaces where women can feel heard and be seen. They look forward to class and and are sad when it’s time to go. It’s remarkable to see how Chancellor Amma’s teachings of love and compassion inspire these women to bring out the best in themselves and others. Overall, this exposure to values along with great teachers at the center have a profound impact on the lives of these women.”

-Dr. Bhavani Rao

At the center in Riwazpur, Dr. Rao met with the tailoring group and spent time looking at the dresses and crafts made by the women.

Dr. Rao also stopped by the to the General Duty Assistant (GDA) classrooms at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad and participated in the classes. The General Duty Assistant (GDA) program is designed to provide quality care to patients admitted in nursing homes and hospitals. In the course, students learn how to assist patients with daily activities, such as bathing and dressing, taking vital signs, and gain skills to provide basic medical care under the supervision of the nurse or doctor. The GDA Program at Amrita Hospital is unique because it provides students hands-on experience to develop practical skills, which are valuable in the workforce.

The centers are part of the SANKALP project being implemented in various parts of India.

The Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) project is implemented by Amrita university in collaboration with Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, to boost short term skill training programs for long term benefits through strengthening institutions, bringing in better market connectivity and inclusion of marginalized sections of the society. Through our trainings, women get the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

Below are more photos of the visit to the various skill centers: