Prayatna

I have always believed that helping others is the key to creating lasting change, and this belief drives every aspect of my work at Prayatna. My role involves working towards empowering communities through sustainable livelihood, education, and development programs. I collaborate with various teams, stakeholders, and partners to create initiatives that provide marginalised groups, especially women and youth, with the skills, resources, and support they need to thrive in today’s world. Working on handicrafts and business development with women has always been one of my favourite parts of this role. Every day, I witness how even the smallest interventions can have a profound impact on someone’s life. It’s inspiring to see the positive change we help bring about, and this motivates me to keep pushing for more. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to mentor many interns at Prayatna, which is something I take immense pride in. I feel like I am contributing to our sector by training strong, passionate individuals who will make a difference in the future. Being part of a team that is dedicated to building a better future for so many is incredibly fulfilling. I am committed to driving this change and working together with others to create an even greater impact. Manaswani Saxena Bhushan, Senior Programme Manager, Prayatna

On December 21st, 2024, 55 remarkable women #artisans, just five months into their training program, took a bold step forward on a #transformative journey to Mithila Haat, Jhanjharpur, Madhubani, Bihar. #Madhubani, the birthplace and hub of the globally celebrated Madhubani art form, holds immense #cultural and historical significance. Visiting this revered place was deeply relevant for these artisans, who are currently being trained in the intricate techniques of Madhubani art. For many of these women, this was their first time stepping out of their homes, defying #societal norms and gender restrictions to explore a world of #creativity and #opportunity. At Mithila Haat—a vibrant cultural hub—they immersed themselves in refining Madhubani painting techniques, mastering colour theory, and learning traditional styles that embody the spirit of their heritage. This exposure visit became a turning point, as these women—once hesitant to speak or dream—walked confidently through the streets of the Haat, engaging with #local artists, building market connections, and envisioning a #sustainable future through their art. This journey is more than just a visit—it’s a testament to #empowerment, a celebration of culture, and a path to independence. With your support, these #artisans can continue to honour their roots while transforming their lives. 💕 #Donate today to empower women and preserve the rich legacy of Madhubani art. Visit our website: https://buff.ly/3ZlxVZi. #EmpowerWomen #SupportArtisans #MithilaArt #MadhubaniHeritage #BreakingBarriers #DonateForChange #CulturalRevival

Creating meaningful change in someone’s life and helping them take a step toward empowerment and independence has always been my driving force. At Prayatna, I am privileged to manage and implement programs across education, livelihood, HRDP, skill development, and agriculture. My focus lies in designing impactful skill development trainings and building the capacity of our staff to deliver programs that truly make a difference. From supporting farmers with sustainable practices to guiding youth toward better opportunities and ensuring access to quality education, each initiative brings us closer to transforming lives. Looking ahead, I envision a future where every individual we work with feels confident, empowered, and equipped to lead a better life. I strive to create programs that have a lasting impact and foster a culture of independence and sustainability in the communities we serve. Together, I believe we can achieve remarkable outcomes and continue spreading smiles through our collective efforts. Ruchi Sharma Programme Manager,Prayatna

Saroj, a homemaker from a small town, had always dreamed of giving her children a brighter future. Yet, the world of computers felt like an unreachable mystery. She didn’t even know how to turn one on, leaving her feeling helpless when her children talked about technology. Everything changed when she joined Prayatna. With their support and patient guidance, Saroj began learning computers step by step. On her first day, she nervously sat in front of a screen, unsure of what to do. But with time and practice, she learnt to turn the computer on, use MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and navigate confidently through tasks she once thought impossible. Today, she not only uses her skills confidently but also teaches her children the basics of computers. “When I see them learning from me, I feel so proud,” she says. Saroj’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education. With courage and determination, she has broken barriers, proving it’s never too late to learn and uplift others. Through Prayatna, Saroj has not only empowered herself but has also paved the way for her family’s future. #WomenEmpowerment #DigitalLiteracy #PrayatnaJourney #EmpoweringWomen #EducationForAll #TechnologyForChange #SmallTownStories #NeverTooLate #BreakingBarriers #LearnToLead #InspiringWomen #MothersWhoInspire

We had the incredible opportunity to participate in a transformative 3-day workshop on Indigenous Knowledge Systems for Rural & Tribal Development at NIRDPR. This global event brought together state civil servants, scholars, and researchers from India, Mali, and South Africa to explore how indigenous knowledge can shape sustainable development. During the workshop, we proudly presented the work of Prayatna and HDB Financial Services, focusing on conserving the heritage crafts of Dhokra and Bamboo. These timeless crafts, deeply rooted in tribal history, reflect not just artistry but also the resilience and traditions of the tribes who practice them. Our presentation emphasised how empowering artisans with market linkages ensures not only the sustainability of their livelihoods but also the preservation of these invaluable crafts. It’s about creating opportunities where tradition and innovation can coexist, allowing rural communities to thrive while keeping their cultural roots intact. Pawan Kumar Yadav #EmpoweringCommunities #CulturalHeritage #SustainableDevelopment #IndigenousCrafts #ArtisansOfIndia #HandmadeWithHeart #DhokraArt #BambooCrafts #TribalEmpowerment #TraditionMeetsProgress #CraftingFutures #IKSForDevelopment

Imagine standing in a classroom, eager to teach but lacking the tools to make learning exciting and meaningful. This is the reality for many rural teachers, but together, we changed that. In Bhilwara, we conducted a heartfelt teacher orientation program, where teachers embraced new ways to connect with their students. Through simple yet powerful activities like Teamwork Tic Tac Toe and AI storytelling, they discovered how to turn challenges into opportunities. Watching them overcome fears of public speaking and embrace creativity was nothing short of inspiring. These teachers aren’t just learning—they’re transforming lives, shaping brighter futures for their students in resource-constrained classrooms. ✨ You can be a part of this journey. Donate today and help us bring hope, knowledge, and opportunities to rural educators and the children they inspire. Together, we can make education a force for change. #EmpowerRuralTeachers #EducationForAll #SupportEducation #TeacherTransformation #BrightFutures #DonateForChange #HopeThroughEducation #InspiringEducators

Our Reach for the Stars Programme is dedicated to supporting meritorious young women across India from underprivileged sections who aspire to pursue professional courses like medicine (MBBS) and engineering (B.Tech). Designed for students from low-income backgrounds, the program offers financial assistance, mentorship, and holistic guidance to help them excel in their education and beyond. Currently, we are proud to support 10 exceptional female MBBS scholars under this initiative! 🩺 Eligibility Criteria for the Programme: 1️⃣ Must belong to an economically weaker section. 2️⃣ Should have secured admission into an MBBS program (not BDS). 3️⃣ Open to candidates from any part of India. If you or someone you know meets these criteria, we’d love to hear from you! Let’s work together to build a brighter future for these young talents. 📩 Get in touch: DM us Email: *ruchi@prayatnaworld.org* To learn more, visit: [Reach for the Stars Programme](https://buff.ly/41ogo3K) ✨ Join us in making a difference, one scholar at a time! #MBBS #ScholarshipOpportunity #WomenInSTEM #EducationMatters #EmpoweringCommunities

II’m Susheel Awasti from Ataura Khurd village, and I want to share a story of how something as simple as street lights has completely changed life here. Before we got electricity, power cuts were a constant problem. We never knew when the lights would go out, and without reliable power, even the simplest tasks like cooking or having meals on time became a struggle. But everything changed when Prayatna partnered with Ramboll to install solar-powered street lights in our village. It wasn’t just about lighting up the roads; it was about bringing peace of mind to all of us. These lights work regardless of the electricity supply, lighting up our neighborhood even during power cuts. Whether it’s raining or chilly outside, the lights shine bright through the night and turn off automatically in the morning. Now, we have: 1.Safe spaces for children to play and study in the evenings. 2.A sense of security, as we can clearly see who’s coming and going at night. 3.And the peace of mind that comes with knowing our village is always illuminated. We are forever grateful to Prayatna and Ramboll for their support in making this dream a reality. If you feel inspired by our story and want to help bring this change to more villages, please consider donating. Every contribution helps spread the light and hope to communities in need. #LightingUpLives #CommunityImpact #SolarEnergy #Prayatna #Ramboll #RuralDevelopment #SustainableSolutions #StreetLights #MakeADifference #DonateForChange #HopeInAction #EmpowerCommunities #SafeAndBright #LightTheWay #ChangeMakers #TogetherForProgress #IlluminationForAll #VillageTransformation

A short video clip captures the joyous and passionate expressions of women beneficiaries of WEPP Sorkha engaged in Madhubani art during my field visit as Social Work Trainee in Prayatna . The women are seen immersed in their creative work, sharing moments of happiness and camaraderie as they bond over their craft. During the COVID-19 relief operations,Prayatna NGO recognized the need to provide livelihood opportunities for women in Sorkha, Noida. In response, they launched the WEPP program, establishing two Enterprise Resource Centres to offer training and upskilling in Madhubani painting and stitching. These centres serve as hubs for financial, marketing, and enterprise linkages, helping women develop the skills needed to start and sustain their own businesses. Additionally, Prayatna provides ongoing support, including access to government schemes and resources to ensure long-term success. *The video was taken with the consent of the beneficiaries * #livelihood #skilldevelopment #womenempowerment #socialenterprises #Socialwork #Prayatna

She once sat in silence, unsure of her place in the world. Today, her hands bring life to fabrics with beautiful block prints. 🌟 In Bhilwara, women are breaking barriers, mastering a craft that not only empowers them financially but fills them with courage and confidence. Supported by Prayatna and Minova Runaya, they are turning fear into strength and tradition into opportunity. By embracing their local craft, these artisans are building a brighter tomorrow for their families and community. 🙌 Supporting these artisans means supporting sustainability, creativity, and a world where tradition and innovation can coexist beautifully. Small donations , big changes — support artisans, sustain traditions! visit our website(https://buff.ly/3ZlxVZi ) today or DM us for more details!! #SupportLocal #ArtisansOfIndia #CraftWithPurpose #CelebrateTraditio #HandcraftedWithLove #EmpoweringRuralWomen #SupportArtisans