She leads self-help groups for women in Marcela, Goa, offering them a plethora of professional and cultural opportunities. During her tenure as Assistant Headmistress at Sharada English High School in Marcela, Vasanti found her passion for making a difference to society. She explains, “I was always inspired by Jawaharlal Nehru’s words ‘Aram Haram Hai.’ After my retirement I felt like I was lost, restless. Then I thought that I have retired from school and not from life. I wanted to continue being called a ‘teacher’ – if not by school students, then by other means!” This is when Vasanti first began her work to empower women. She launched self-help groups named Pragati, Unnati and Sanskruti, all aimed at mobilizing women in Marcela, where she currently resides. Once the groups were registered, Vasanti worked relentlessly to help the women avail of various state financial schemes they were eligible for.
She then wanted to launch vocational classes for women. Her effort was recognized by MLA Deepak Dhavliker, who offered support from the Madhavrao Dhavliker Trust, and Goa Handicrafts. Vasanti shares, “We now conduct classes in making jute and velvet bags, shell work, artificial flowers, decorative vases, chandeliers and even brooms! We also organize motivational talks by eminent personalities, as well as medical camps.” While this helps women to improve their employability, they are also encouraged to develop their leadership skills. Vasanti elaborates, “Every month, all the self-help groups come together for a monthly meeting. Each group has its own president, secretary and treasurer. The members make a monthly financial contribution, which is deposited in a designated bank account. Women can also avail of credit from this fund, and repay the amount with interest, through installments. After a period of five years, the members receive their financial contribution with interest. Besides encouraging savings and financial independence, this scheme also increases women’s banking knowledge.
However, it’s not all work and no play for the Marcel-based self-help groups. The members also celebrate an annual day, packed with a variety of entertainment. Vasanti herself participates in this event, to set a precedent for other members to follow. They use the event as an opportunity to showcase Goa’s rich folk culture, performing Fugadi, Dhalo and short plays. Additionally, the group members individually participate in various cultural or shopping exhibitions, where they sell homemade sweets and savouries. This encourages women to become financially self-sufficient.
Vasanti shares her plans for the future, “A Kadamba bus stand is being set up locally, where self-help groups from Marcela and surrounding areas will be offered a shop to display and sell their goods, in rotation. This is a great initiative being planned by our MLA Deepak Dhavliker.” She adds jovially, “It’s popularly believed that women have a tendency to come together and gossip, or watch TV. I encourage women keep themselves busy so that they will remain physically and mentally active.”
Vasanti gives young women some golden advice, “Every woman, whether a housewife or a working professional, should her herself busy, so that her body and mind will remain active. While it seems like my social work initiatives are to help others, in reality I feel it helps me instead! I would advise young people to always try and work for the benefit of society. It’s not just about monetary assistance but offering in kind, using your expertise and skills to serve others. Social work is always give and take: when you work for others, you’ll realize it helps you too.”
