Delhi: Lending a hand to the deprived

Delhi: Mamta, A 34-year-old woman, became self-reliant after establishing her tailoring centre two years ago in her village in Bihar, where she now trains 10 children.

“I named it ‘Mamta Tailoring Centre’ and I am delighted to empower young girls who will also become self-sufficient members of the society,” said Mamta, whose father runs a small shop in the village.

Mamta completed a one-year diploma in tailoring at the Mahila Mangal Foundation in Delhi before opening her centre in 2022.

“Whatever I am today is due to the guidance and education provided by the foundation. We learned immensely from them, which shaped my career,” she shared with Patriot over phone.

Emphasising that every girl needs to become independent, she said, “They should have the opportunity to stand on their own feet and not be a burden on their parents.”

“I hope to hire staff for my centre soon and provide employment.”

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The Mahila Mangal Foundation, which recently celebrated its 70th anniversary, was originally established by a group of women dedicated to supporting underprivileged women and children. The foundation runs various programmes across India, scripting many success stories.

They have been offering courses in computers, fashion studies, stitching, shorthand skills, adult education, beautician, among other fields to women and children from marginalised communities at a very minimal fee.

They are also running a physiotherapy clinic and medical centre for the physically challenged and a primary school for marginalised kids. Jyoti Kaur, 23, a resident of Dakshinpuri in the Capital, now works as a store manager in a popular clothing brand namely Sakshi Wadera.

“I completed my two-year course in fashion designing from the foundation in 2017. I have learned the art of sketching, painting, modelling among other things. The faculty has been a great support in helping me reach this level,” said Kaur whose father works as an auto driver. Previously, she has worked for brands like Reptilia.

Priyanka, who works in the Delhi-based clothing brand Papoon, is another success story. “I am working as a store manager. This foundation has given wings to our dreams,” she said proudly.

Kanchan, 39, who was once a student here, now heads the Shorthand Skills Department at the foundation.

“After studying here in 2001 2002, I did freelance work until I joined the institute in 2005 as the head of Shorthand Skills Department,” she shared. “It feels rewarding to return to my roots and serve my community.”

Students, who are enrolled in different courses at the foundation, are optimistic about their future. Himanshi Kalra, a second semester student of the fashion studies department, said that she wishes to open a boutique in the future.

“We are being taught every basic thing about the stream and now I am confident that I will be able to open my boutique and train others too,” she said.

The foundation has also been providing monetary assistance to underprivileged children and women.

“I was not in a capacity to pay my fee of Rs 700. So, the management here has been paying it from their side,” said Shivani, 19, who is studying computers.

“I help and encourage them to learn new things every day. I work on building their overall personality so that they can contribute to the society tomorrow,” said Rom Shah Srivastav, Head of the Computer Department.

Anita, 52, who is enrolled in the Adult Education course shared her experience.

“We are learning mathematics table, Hindi, and English alphabets. We receive Rs 100 per month to learn which is a great step taken by the management.

“Besides our studies, we are also doing some freelance work to earn. This institute has given us freedom and support to grow,” said Jasleen Kaur, who is currently training to become a beautician.

History of the initiative

In 1955, a few women belonging to affluent sections of the society came together to form a group which aimed to provide support to women and children of weaker sections of the society and make them self-reliant and useful citizens of the country.

More and more women joined this group which later became an organisation called Mahila Mangal Foundation. There are about 750 members in the Mahila Mangal Foundation now. These members themselves donate and collect funds from various benevolent persons to run it.

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In 1983, the Mahila Mangal Foundation was allotted a half acre plot of land in Dakshinpuri by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). They constructed a building on this land.

Rajkumari Aggarwal, founder and chairperson of Mahila Mangal Foundation, has been a front-line social activist working for the cause of women and children since the age of 22.

“This charitable trust was established to empower underprivileged women,” she explained. “We wanted to help them become independent and gain recognition in the society. Our initiative provides jobs, education, and a sense of identity to them,” she concluded.