Vocational Training And Women Empowerment: Objectives Of Mission Shakti

Shakti is a non-sectarian, non-political and non-discriminatory organization dedicated to empowering under-privileged girls so that they can lead a wholesome, dignified life with financial independence and actuate their inherent potential. It is spearheaded by mystic master Anandmurti Gurumaa who has been zealously addressing the issue of education and empowerment of girls besides condemning the evil practices of female foeticide and infanticide in her talks held around the world.
The core belief of Shakti is that education is pivotal in accomplishing the mission of female empowerment and changing the prevalent misguided mindset, derivative of socio- cultural factors towards the girl child and women in general.

Focusing on education and vocational training is the key, as this will also address the underlying issues of illiteracy and poverty. Moreover, an educated and financially independent girl will not only support and look after her family, but will eventually lead to a better and balanced society. A wakeup call to all of us, we cannot avoid this growing issue any further.

To provide education (up to 12th standard) to under-privileged girls in India by imparting financial support.

To provide opportunities and financial aid to those girls who want to pursue higher education or a professional career.

To help girls from deprived families to become self-reliant and financially independent by providing various vocational training courses.

To provide financial aid to institutions which are actively involved in empowerment of girls and their overall welfare.

To raise awareness about the heinous practices of female foeticide, infanticide and the brutalities inflicted on the girl child in India.

Since its inception, Shakti has been empowering girls by giving them scholarships to complete their education up to 12th standard. These girls are the daughters of handicapped parents, war martyrs, divorcee and widows, who are not able to afford their education. From 2010, Shakti has expanded its horizon to include the girls from economically weaker section. They too can seek support from Shakti.

Shakti has been educating and empowering girls since its inception in 1999.

In 11 years, more than 9726 underprivileged girls have received monetary aid in the form of a scholarship to complete their education up to the 12th standard.

45 girls could triumphantly realise their dreams of a career in nursing as Shakti extended financial support for completing the nursing course at SGTB Institute of Nursing Education, Ludhiana, Punjab.

Shakti assisted 5 girls in successfully accomplishing their pursuit of a degree in B-pharmacy.

Shakti ushered in the new year 2010, celebrating 10 glorious years by furthering pledging to educate and empower 500 more under-privileged girls not able to afford their education due to lack of funds. This year, every effort is being made to extend aid to large numbers of needy girls across the country.

Institutional support has also been provided to a number of institutes to accomplish the objective of empowering and education girls. To name a few, SGTB Institute of Nursing Education - Ludhiana, S R Govt. College of Women - Amritsar, Shakti Udaan - Kaithal, Montessori Education Society - Delhi, Khushboo Welfare Society – Gurgaon.

Over 6000 girls have been inspired through the Shakti Awareness Campaign to complete their education before marriage.

The first vocational training institute of Shakti, ‘Shakti Udaan’ has been set up in Kaithal, Haryana. This institute offers free, certified computer courses and other vocational courses to under-privileged girls. Along with free coaching, the students are also provided with course material without any charge.
Since its inception in September of 2008, more than 600 girls have received vocational training from the institute. Currently, the third batch of 327 girls is undergoing training in various courses. Depending on the interest and motives of the student, the length of these courses span from 6 months to 2 years. Current courses offered at the institute are - sewing, computers, hand embroidery, machine embroidery and beautician training.

The girls pursuing these courses belong to families falling under poverty line. The girls are not only acquiring necessary skills, but they are also gaining immense confidence in leading a life with self-reliance. Many of the girls who have received training from the institute have begun home based work and are earning a decent living for their entire family. Shakti feels very encouraged to see them financially independent.

Consequently, Shakti has envisaged a full-time, residential vocational training institute in Gannaur, where courses will be offered to girls at no charge.