Odia Pilot in Dubai Funds Tailoring Institute in Odisha, Empowers 240+ Women
An Odia pilot living abroad has established a tailoring institute at his native place, Bolagarh, in Khurda district, Odisha. Since its inception in December 2021, the institute has trained over 240 women, equipping them with skills for financial independence and self-reliance.
Stitching Confidence and Dignity into Lives
Shilabhadra Parida, a 43-year-old pilot currently based in Dubai, founded the institute under the Let’s Help Foundation, a non-profit organization. Parida, who is now an Irish citizen, emphasized the core mission of the project.
“Food, clothing, and shelter are necessities. While we may not be able to provide food or housing to everyone, we can equip women with a life-long skill. By teaching them tailoring, we enable them to create their own clothing, earn, and support their families. It is not just about stitching fabric — it is about stitching confidence, dignity, and financial independence into their lives,” Parida stated.
Structured Training and Operational Details
The institute runs a rigorous three-month training course, conducted in batches of 15 women. Classes are held for two hours, six days a week, with teachers drawn from the village or nearby areas. Parida highlighted the importance of discipline in the program.
“90% attendance is a must. Otherwise, we don’t give them the certificate,” he said, ensuring that participants are committed to their learning journey.
Financially, Parida spends approximately Rs 10,000 per month on rent, trainer fees, and the manager’s salary. Every three months, he allocates an additional Rs 2,000 for essentials such as scissors, notebooks, needles, machine servicing, and transport costs. The institute is managed by Sunil Kumar Sahoo, who receives an honorarium for handling admissions, material procurement, and day-to-day operational issues.
Economic Empowerment and Success Stories
The impact of the institute is evident, with at least 50 trained women having started their own tailoring businesses from home or in other establishments. This initiative has significantly boosted their economic empowerment.
Subhadra Das of Bolagarh, a mother of a six-year-old, shared her experience: “I earn a handsome amount by stitching clothes during my free time at home for two years. It has helped me in meeting my own expenses and supplementing my family’s income.”
Similarly, Baidehi Swain, also from Bolagarh and mother of a 7-year-old daughter, plans to open a shop in the market area within six months. “I want to take up more work and boost my income so that I can spend some as well as save,” she said, reflecting the aspirations fostered by the training.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
This initiative not only addresses skill development but also contributes to broader social and economic goals in rural Odisha. By focusing on women’s empowerment through vocational training, it aligns with efforts to reduce poverty and enhance self-sufficiency in local communities.
The success of the tailoring institute serves as a model for similar projects, demonstrating how diaspora contributions can drive sustainable development and create lasting positive change in native regions.
