BANGALORE: Nothing can prevent anyone in becoming a beacon of hope for those who need guidance in their endeavour to be self reliant. The zeal of contributing something in someway to the society is sufficient. Sunanda Nagaraja, a housewife from Rajajinagar, thinks that one has to pass on whatever skills he or she possesses to help others who wish to earn a livelihood. Sunanda is accompanied by her husband Nagaraja who was working at the Centre for Youth and Cultural Development, situated near Okalipuram. Sunanda, instead of sitting idle, used to knit at the Centre. “Many youth attended training programmes at the Centre for Youth and Cultural Development. Some of them had approached me to teach them knitting. Later, the number of trainees increased considerably thus compelling me to find an alternative place to continue the training programmes,” recalls Sunanda. According to Sunanda, many housewives wanted to undergo training in knitting and design on wallpaper or cloth but the hefty fee charges prevented them from learning further. “Most of the housewives who evinced interest to learn these skills are from lower middle-class families. They could not afford the fee collected by various teachers and institutions. I helped them to learn these skills free of cost,” narrates Sunanda. Meanwhile, Sunanda had an opportunity to undergo training in making socially useful products, organised by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training. “I have been conducting training in making paper bags, jam, juice and chocolates. Many women are earning a decent income after completing training in making chocolates,” says a proud Sunanda. She had participated in an exhibition organised by the Federation of Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently. Impressed with her products, especially dolls, many girls have shown keen interest in attending training classes. “Some of the students from Mahanarani College have met me during the exhibition. They wanted to attend the training classes. I told them that they can do so on every Monday between 11 am and 4 pm,” narrates Sunanda.Recently, Sunanda happened to visit a public sector bank at Malleswaram where she met Veena from Siddapura who was struggling to promote mats. “I had advised Veena to ensure that the products are attractive. She requested me to come to Siddapura to provide her with some guidance. I will be visiting Siddapura shortly,” says Sunanda. Now, Sunanda plans to visit government high schools to conduct various training programmes for girls to further strengthen their skills. “I can visit schools on weekends or any specific day to train the students if the teachers of respective high schools ask me,” signs off Sunanda with a smile.
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