Sucharu, a collaboration between WCC Women's Study Cell and the Diocese Board of Social Service imparts vocational training, viz. tailoring, to women from the backward communities (Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes), so that they can turn entrepreneurs and supplement their family income.

Under this programme, Women’s Christian College trained 11 women from Kulberia and Panchurai villages of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal; the college also provided the material required for the tailoring course.

The women were trained by Geeta Roy.

At the award ceremony, Principal Dr Ajanta Paul complimented Sucharu for its success in the maiden year and hoped to see it flourishing in the future. She also asked everyone present to help Sucharu to market its products.

Author Mudar Patherya was also pleased with Sucharu’s initiative and products. He not only assured the trained women that their handiwork will be appreciated by branded stores but also agreed to offer funds for the next five years so that the programme can be offered to more women from the backward communities.

Sucharu was also commended by representatives of the United Board of Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA) and College and Universities of the Anglican Communion (CUAC).

An audio-visual presentation of the training and an exhibition of the products made by these women were also held.

(Reporting and images by Suchismita Roy)