On September 6, 2024, a one-day Silk Thread Jewellery Making workshop was successfully conducted at Sri Ramakrishna Polytechnic College, empowering 17 women and adolescent girls from underserved communities. This training was specifically designed to provide hands-on, income-generating skills that require minimal investment and can be pursued from home. The workshop aimed to nurture creativity, build self-confidence, and introduce entrepreneurship fundamentals through practical skill-building. Participants learned how to craft elegant bangles, earrings, hair accessories, and decorative clips using vibrant silk threads and basic tools. With step-by-step guidance from experienced trainers, each participant was able to complete finished products by the end of the session. The training highlighted key aspects of the jewellery-making process including material selection, color coordination, product finishing, and festive design planning. In addition to the crafting techniques, participants were introduced to marketing strategies such as pricing, local sales, participation in exhibitions, and leveraging online platforms. The session emphasized the importance of customer preferences and encouraged participants to think creatively while also understanding commercial viability. This beginner-friendly initiative not only introduced a potential livelihood option but also fostered self-reliance among the women. Many participants expressed increased confidence and enthusiasm toward exploring micro-entrepreneurship opportunities. This program is part of a larger effort to promote sustainable livelihoods for women and youth in slum areas through creative and practical training. Participant feedback highlighted the engaging and productive nature of the workshop, with many eager to pursue advanced training. Overall, the Silk Thread Jewellery Making workshop served as a stepping stone toward self-employment and financial independence, transforming a traditional craft into a meaningful source of income and empowerment.
Ms. JANANI -Transformation Journey
Janani, a student from Avinashlingam University, joined the Basic to Advanced Mehendi Class at BTG Trust with little prior knowledge of Mehendi. After completing the course, she gained the skills to create beautiful and intricate designs, which helped her start her own Mehendi business through online platform. The classes provided not only technical skills but also business insights, such as pricing, client handling, and marketing, which enabled her to earn a steady income. Janani balanced her studies and entrepreneurship, thanks to the platform provided by BTG Trust. She is grateful for the support and guidance she received throughout the course. Janani recommends this class to others, as it helped her turn her passion into a sustainable career. Her success story highlights the impact of our training in empowering women to become self-sufficient entrepreneurs. We are proud of her achievements.
HANDMADE HEROINES 7 – Silk Thread Jewellery Making Training
The two-day Silk Thread Jewellery Making training, held on August 16 and 17, 2024, at the BTG Trust Office, was designed to empower 10 women participants, primarily homemakers and students, with creative, income-generating skills. This initiative focused on equipping participants with hands-on knowledge to craft elegant bangles, earrings, hair accessories, and decorative clips using vibrant silk threads and basic tools. The training introduced the fundamentals of color coordination, design planning, and customer preferences, especially for festive and bridal collections. It aimed to boost confidence and creativity while promoting home-based entrepreneurship. On Day 1, participants were introduced to the silk thread craft as a viable livelihood option, with detailed demonstrations guiding them through each step of making jewelry and accessories. They also learned essential design principles, material sourcing, and finishing techniques to enhance product quality. On Day 2, the focus shifted to making intricate hair accessories like clips and bands, with attention to quality control, embellishment techniques, and appropriate material selection. The training also included sessions on pricing strategies, cost analysis, and understanding market demand to help participants set competitive rates for their creations. The entrepreneurial component of the workshop encouraged women to consider selling their products at exhibitions, local markets, and through online platforms. Many participants expressed enthusiasm about pursuing advanced training and exploring micro-business opportunities. The initiative successfully combined creativity with practical business insight, enabling participants to visualize a sustainable source of income from home. The workshop served as a stepping stone toward inclusive economic development by nurturing self-reliance and fostering entrepreneurial spirit. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants stating they felt more confident and capable of transforming their artistic abilities into profitable ventures. The training reaffirmed the value of grassroots-level skill-building programs in creating meaningful livelihood opportunities for underserved women.
CARE FOR ALL – Free Medical Camp
On July 28th, 2024, BTG Trust (formerly Liferay Foundation), in collaboration with KMCH (Kovai Medical Center and Hospital) and Exterro’s CSR wing “Exterro Gives Back”, organized a free medical camp at the Kalapatti Primary School, Coimbatore. The initiative aimed to provide quality healthcare services to the underprivileged and rural population of Kalapatti Panchayat, an area where access to regular medical care is limited. The camp focused on preventive diagnostics and general health screening, targeting a beneficiary count of approximately 80+ residents. Residents received general health check-ups, diagnostic services, and consultations with medical specialists. This outreach is part of BTG Trust’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of life in underserved communities. Many residents of Kalapatti are daily wage workers who often delay medical attention due to financial and logistical constraints. By bringing healthcare directly to the community, the camp bridged critical access gaps. The event was graced by Mr. Vijayakumar, Councillor of Kalapatti, as Guest of Honour, and Mrs. Maari Selvi, Head Master of GHSS Kalapatti, as the Chief Guest. Their presence inspired community participation and reinforced the importance of proactive healthcare. The medical camp was conducted smoothly from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM with a large turnout and positive feedback from the public. Volunteers, medical staff, and organizers worked in unison to ensure a professional and compassionate approach. The program reinforced the value of community partnerships in driving impact. Residents appreciated the convenience, care, and quality of services offered. This medical camp is a testimony to BTG Trust’s mission of inclusive health initiatives and was a successful step toward a healthier Kalapatti.
HANDMADE HEROINES 6 – Silk Thread Jewellery Making Training
The Silk Thread Jewellery Making training held on 21st and 22nd June 2024 at the Community Hall, Vellakinar, was a skill development initiative aimed at empowering 12 women and adolescent girls from underserved communities. This two-day workshop provided participants with hands-on training in crafting elegant and colorful accessories such as bangles, earrings, hair clips, and bands using silk threads and simple tools. The program began with a basic introduction to silk thread jewellery as a livelihood craft, showcasing its popularity in festive and bridal markets. Participants learned how to prepare materials, wrap threads, and combine beads and embellishments to design attractive handmade pieces. The training focused on developing technical skills, understanding color coordination, and ensuring product finishing for market readiness. In addition to creative expression, the workshop incorporated entrepreneurial components—covering pricing strategies, marketing techniques, and potential sales avenues including local exhibitions and online platforms. This dual approach aimed not only to boost participants’ artistic confidence but also to prepare them for income-generating opportunities from home-based businesses. The trainer provided personalized guidance throughout the sessions, ensuring that each participant grasped the process and completed their own jewellery items. Feedback from the women highlighted their excitement, confidence, and eagerness to pursue the craft further. Many expressed interest in participating in advanced training and starting micro-enterprises. This initiative is part of a broader vision to encourage skill-based entrepreneurship and self-reliance among women, particularly homemakers and students, by turning creative skills into sustainable livelihoods. The program successfully nurtured creativity, promoted financial independence, and inspired participants to dream bigger. It stands as a testimony to how community-based, low-investment skill training can ignite transformation at the grassroots level.
HANDMADE HEROINES 5 -Basic Mehendi Class
he Basic Mehendi Course held on 21st and 22nd June 2024 at the Community Hall in Vellakinar was designed to introduce women and adolescent girls to the traditional art of Mehendi. This two-day training focused on empowering participants from underserved communities with essential skills to pursue Mehendi application as a livelihood. Through this workshop, 20 participants learned to prepare natural henna paste, make mehendi cones, and apply simple yet elegant designs such as floral patterns and geometric shapes. The course highlighted the cultural significance of Mehendi in weddings and festivals, reinforcing its relevance and demand in Indian society. With step-by-step hands-on training, learners were guided to practice and perfect their application techniques, ensuring skill development with practical experience. The workshop also emphasized organic and skin-safe ingredients, offering participants a sustainable approach to the craft. In addition to technical skills, the training provided insights into turning Mehendi art into a small business, covering aspects such as offering services at local events, using social media to promote work, and participating in community exhibitions. By introducing basic design principles like symmetry and color coordination, the training prepared participants for both festive and casual client demands. The environment was inclusive and supportive, allowing learners to build confidence and ask questions freely. Each trainee received personal attention and guidance, helping them progress at their own pace. Many expressed enthusiasm to pursue advanced Mehendi classes and start earning through home-based services. The program successfully instilled a sense of empowerment and creativity, motivating women to become financially independent. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote entrepreneurship among women through skill-based training. Participants completed the course with a strong foundation in Mehendi artistry and a clear vision of how to use this skill for income generation. The success of this workshop highlights the impact of grassroots-level interventions in enabling sustainable livelihoods.
HANDMADE HEROINES 4 -Silk Thread Jewellery Making
The Silk Thread Jewellery Making training program, held at the Community Hall in Vellakinar on June 14th and 15th, 2024, aimed to empower underprivileged women and students by equipping them with creative, income-generating skills. With 15 participants, the two-day workshop focused on crafting elegant and marketable jewellery items like bangles, earrings, hair clips, and accessories using vibrant silk threads and simple tools. Designed for beginners, the training offered step-by-step guidance to enhance creativity, improve handcrafting techniques, and build self-confidence. This initiative emphasized both skill development and entrepreneurship, helping women understand how to price, market, and sell their products. Participants were introduced to design basics such as color coordination, material sourcing, and product finishing, especially for bridal and festive collections. A special focus was given to creating unique designs suited for daily and festive use, making the craft both appealing and commercially viable. The training also provided insight into how these skills can be monetized through exhibitions, local sales, and online platforms. Through hands-on practice, women learned to transform silk threads into artistic creations, while gaining confidence to pursue self-employment opportunities. Many expressed interest in further training and business development support. The session served as an inspiring foundation to spark micro-entrepreneurship and home-based businesses. Participant feedback highlighted the clarity and encouragement offered by trainers, as well as the joy of learning a new craft. The training opened a new path for participants to generate income, contribute to their families, and become financially independent. By introducing a low-investment, high-potential livelihood option, this program supports grassroots women in becoming economically self-reliant. It also fosters creativity and community participation through shared learning. Overall, the workshop aligns with larger goals of gender equality, inclusive development, and skill-based empowerment.
BACK TO SCHOOL –
On 3rd June 2024, BTG Trust implemented the Back to School initiative in Ammankulam, supporting 10 underprivileged students with essential school supplies. The project aimed to improve access to education by providing backpacks, water bottles, and stationery—basic yet vital tools for a successful academic journey. The distribution event was held with the presence of local educators and community leaders, who also delivered motivational talks to encourage regular school attendance and inspire students to pursue their education with confidence. This initiative not only addressed immediate material needs but also fostered a sense of encouragement and belonging, reinforcing BTG Trust’s commitment to empowering students and reducing dropout rates in underserved communities.
Mrs. Madhumathi – Transformation Journey
Madhumathi, a 28-year-old homemaker, shared her transformative experience from the Silk Thread Jewellery Making class at BTG Trust. Initially, she never thought of turning her hobby into a business. However, after completing the class, she gained the skills to create beautiful jewellery pieces and market them effectively. She learned to make various jewellery items and gained essential knowledge on pricing and customer handling. Madhumathi successfully launched her own business on social media, where she now promotes her handmade creations.
HANDMADE HEROINES 3 – Advanced Mehendi Class
The Advanced Mehendi Course was organized as a skill development initiative aimed at empowering underprivileged women with advanced artistry and entrepreneurial capabilities. Conducted over two days on 27th and 28th March 2024 at the BTG Trust Office, the training catered to 12 women participants who already possessed basic mehendi skills. The objective was to enhance their proficiency in professional-level designs such as Arabic, bridal, mandala, and event-themed patterns, while also guiding them toward market readiness. Participants received hands-on training in creating intricate mehendi designs with step-by-step guidance from experienced trainers, ensuring mastery in symmetry, speed, and precision. A key highlight was the emphasis on organic mehendi, teaching women how to prepare natural henna paste and cones using eco-friendly ingredients. This focus not only promoted skin-safe application but also gave participants an edge in offering organic mehendi services. Entrepreneurial sessions included insights on taking local event orders, online promotions, and participation in fairs and exhibitions. The course also covered design principles, including composition, spacing, and adapting styles to suit customer preferences. As part of the broader livelihood initiative, the training encouraged creativity, confidence, and the spirit of self-employment. Participants gained exposure to mehendi placement for bridal occasions, learning full-hand designs, floral patterns, and even facial detailing. The program’s market-focused approach enabled women to transform a creative hobby into a professional service. Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing newfound confidence and enthusiasm to start their own mehendi ventures. This training not only honed their artistic skills but also reinforced their belief in their ability to earn through sustainable and enjoyable crafts. It exemplified how grassroots-level training programs can uplift women, enabling them to achieve financial independence through entrepreneurial pathways.