Training is a very important part of the process. So that women become self-sustaining. The idea is to empower people of underserved communities. We feel that creating a brand for them is one of the most effective ways to not only reduce poverty, but to create new opportunities. In order for these women to change their lives forever.

Shohaag has focused on a ‘Livelihood scheme’ and has initially involved a target group of female beneficiaries in and around Siliguri to begin with, and then onto more of North Bengal. The scheme encompasses under-privileged and below-poverty-line, or BPL, persons. The training program, for inculcating expert tailoring skills, is for 50 trainees for 6 months. The trainees are paid Rs.100 per day during training, with facilities and material. Thereafter a few have been absorbed into Shohaag as employees at a fair wage.

The idea is to skill these women for life, and thereby be a means to real transformation and poverty alleviation. It is supported by West Bengal SC, ST, & Backward Classes Development & Finance Corporation. Tailoring is a part of Bengal’s traditional cottage industry and is a segment of the small-scale industry sector, which accounts for 40% of India’s total industrial output, making this segment second to the agricultural sector. The trainees on completion of their training have embarked on an endeavour, with a potential for a bright future.

The idea is to create grassroot level opportunities while creating a world-class brand. The brand itself is being circulated by luminaries including actresses and various distinguished personalities. It resonates a fascinating journey which gives credence to the words “From Bengal to the World.”