Empowering Dreams in Shivapur: How eSaheli’s Saksham Card Sparked 52 Transformations in Just One Afternoon

Date: 30th JULY 2025 Location: Shivapur, Maharashtra

A Quiet Village, A Powerful Beginning

On a warm July afternoon, the usually quiet lanes of Shivapur, a scenic village near Pune, were buzzing with excitement. Women from different corners of the village—some homemakers, some young dreamers—walked purposefully toward the Event Hall of J. P. Naik Gramin Mahila Vikasini. In their eyes shone curiosity and hope.

They were gathering for something new, something promising—the eSaheli Mahila Vikas Foundation’s “Saksham Card” Distribution & Skill Training Camp, organized in collaboration with J. P. Naik Gramin Mahila Vikasini, Shivapur.

Within just two days of announcement, all 52 slots for the camp were filled. The demand spoke volumes—women were eager, ready, and waiting for an opportunity to grow.

What is Saksham Card?

The Saksham Card provides free access to eSaheli’s digital learning platform. It includes:

• Skill-based courses in regional languages (like Marathi)

• Certification upon completion

• Tutorials, notes, and a helpline

• Lifetime access to the learning portal

This digital key unlocks career pathways for women, many of whom have never used a smartphone for learning before.

A Mission Rooted in Empowerment

The eSaheli Mahila Vikas Foundation (EMVF) was born with a single mission: to empower women through digital inclusion and skill development. The Foundation’s flagship initiative, the eSaheli Saksham Card, bridges the gap between rural women and opportunities for certified online courses that can help them build income-generating skills.

The Shivapur Camp, held on 30th July 2025 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, became a shining example of how access and awareness can transform lives in just a few hours.

52 Women, 52 Dreams

The event began with an introduction to eSaheli’s vision—bringing skill-based education to women who’ve long been excluded from digital ecosystems. Soon after, 52 underprivileged women aged between 17 and 45 years were handed their free eSaheli Saksham Cards.

Each woman chose a certified course that matched her interest:

Courses Chosen: A Glimpse into Aspirations

Here's how the 50 women distributed their enrollments across various income-generating courses:

• Makeup Artist : 24

• Artificial Flower Jewellery : 7

• Nail Art : 6

• Mehendi Artist : 8

• Beauty Parlour : 7

This snapshot reflects the economic intent behind their choices—most women opted for skills that would help them launch home-based or micro-businesses.

Impact Highlights :

For many, it was their first step toward financial independence. For others, it was a chance to revive old passions that had taken a backseat to household duties.

The Moment Digital Inclusion Became Real

The EMVF team, led by the Foundation’s Founder and supported by four dedicated members, guided every participant through:

• How to log in to the eSaheli learning platform

• How to redeem the Saksham Card coupon

• How to begin their online course

What stood out was the digital readiness of these women. Despite being from a rural setting, most had smartphones and quickly adapted to the digital learning environment.

Their enthusiasm filled the hall—the sound of women exploring their e-learning dashboard for the first time, laughter over small victories, and shared determination created an atmosphere charged with empowerment.

One could feel it—change was happening, right there.

Voices of Courage

The most touching part of the event came from the women themselves. Their words carried raw honesty and hope:

“I never thought I would be able to do a certified Makeup course from my village. I thank the Foundation for this opportunity.”

— Gayatri Deshmukh., Shivapur

“I have always been interested in Nail Art. With this course, I feel like I’m finally taking a step toward my dreams.”

— Supriya Diware, Shivapur

“The way the EMVF team explained the process was so simple and respectful. I feel confident I can learn and earn now.”

— Rasika Kanade, Shivapur

These stories are not just testimonials—they are proof that accessibility and encouragement can rebuild confidence.

Collaboration That Multiplied Impact

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of J. P. Naik Gramin Mahila Vikasini, the organizing partner. Their local network and credibility helped spread word about the camp quickly. Within 48 hours, every slot was taken—proof of the deep hunger for learning among rural women.

On the day of the event, volunteers from the Trust joined hands with EMVF to ensure smooth logistics, hospitality, and on-ground coordination. The Sarpanch Madam of Shivapur Gram Panchayat also graced the event, extending her wholehearted support to the cause of women empowerment through digital education.

A Warm Finish

As the distribution ceremony concluded, women gathered over tea and coffee, sharing smiles and newfound determination. The atmosphere was light yet deeply meaningful—a simple gesture that turned the session into a community celebration.

Some women even began discussing their next goals: setting up home salons, offering festive mehendi services, or collaborating with others to start small ventures.

It was no longer just a training camp—it had become a movement of self-belief.

A Step Toward the Future

The Shivapur Camp reaffirmed eSaheli Mahila Vikas Foundation’s belief that rural women are ready for digital inclusion—if only someone extends the ladder.

The speed of enrollment, the enthusiasm of the learners, and the ease with which they adopted technology clearly showed that when opportunity meets accessibility, transformation is inevitable.

As EMVF continues to expand its reach to new villages across Maharashtra, the Foundation remains committed to one vision—making every woman “Saksham” (self-reliant) through skill, confidence, and connection.

Looking Ahead

The journey doesn’t end in Shivapur—it begins there. The next camps are already being planned in nearby villages, where hundreds more women await their chance to learn, earn, and grow.

Each Saksham Card distributed is not just a tool—it’s a symbol of trust, dignity, and empowerment.

The Shivapur story stands as a shining example of what’s possible when communities collaborate, technology bridges divides, and women take the lead in shaping their destinies.

You Can Make a Difference

Every ₹1100 funds one Saksham Card—giving a woman access to digital education, tools to start her own venture, and a path to dignity and self-reliance.

🎯 Goal: 50 more card holders

💰 Total Needed: ₹55,000

DONATE NOW

Donate Now and Sponsor a Saksham Card

Your contribution ensures that no woman is left behind due to a lack of opportunity.

Together, they showed that when communities, donors, and organizations come together, meaningful change is not only possible—it’s inevitable.

Let’s Build the Next Generation of Rural Women Entrepreneurs

The Kelshi camp was just one chapter in the growing movement led by eSaheli. With your support, we can light up many more lives in remote corners of India.

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