Preeti’s story: learning beyond books through project samriddhi
Preeti, a 19-year-old from Bhotwala village, always had a passion for learning. However, due to financial constraints, she had to discontinue her education after the 10th grade. While many in her village worked as laborers in the fields, Preeti wanted to do something creative and informative. Her journey with Project Samriddhi not only gave her a new skill but also revived her love for learning, making her feel like she was back in school.
Coming from a financially struggling family, Preeti had to step away from formal education and focus on household responsibilities. Though she helped her mother with daily chores, she didn’t want to limit her potential. She had always been eager to learn, but with no financial resources or guidance, she felt stuck. That was until she heard about Project Samriddhi from her aunt, who was part of the Pooja SHG group. Knowing that the training was free, she saw this as an opportunity to gain knowledge without financial burden.
From the very first day at the Dalamwala Training Center, Preeti’s enthusiasm was evident. Unlike many others who were hesitant at first, she was excited and eager to learn. She described her experience as feeling like she was back in school-learning something new every day, without the stress of exams or fees. However, despite her excitement, Preeti initially lacked confidence. She doubted whether she could make products from parali and wasn’t sure if this training would truly help her in the future. But her persistence and daily practice transformed her completely.
She quickly picked up weaving, braiding, and sewing techniques. Learning to use the sewing machine was a particularly big achievement for her, as she had never worked with one before. What made her stand out was her curiosity and creativity-she often explored the internet for new product ideas and came up with innovative designs beyond what was taught in training.
Preeti’s progress in Project Samriddhi was remarkable. Over time, she became one of the most skilled trainees, and her confidence grew immensely. She no longer hesitated while working on new products and even started suggesting design improvements. Her family, initially skeptical, soon became her biggest supporters. They were amazed by the products she created and encouraged her to continue. Seeing their daughter learn and create something of value filled them with pride.
For Preeti, this project wasn’t just about making products-it was about learning in a new way. She realized that education isn’t limited to books; practical skills and hands-on experience are equally valuable.
