Sona Group's CSR Empowers Differently-Abled Women with Stitching Skills

The Sona Centre for Social Responsibility Initiatives (Sona CSRI), the CSR arm of The Sona Group, has launched a groundbreaking program aimed at empowering differently-abled women in Maramangalathupatti village.

By providing training in stitching and utilizing innovative technology, Sona CSRI is helping these women become self-reliant and overcome their disabilities. Led by the Principal of Sona College of Technology, Dr SRR Senthil Kumar, a team from the Fashion Technology department worked tirelessly to devise a solution that would enable these women to operate sewing machines despite their physical limitations. As a result, the team integrated patented sensor technology into each sewing machine, allowing the women to stitch with their hands, unlike the traditional machines used in garment manufacturing. To ensure the success of the initiative, Sona CSRI collaborated with the local village administration, researchers from Sona College of Technology’s Fashion Technology department, and the Sona Institution Innovation Council.

With the support of the Tamil Nadu government's World Bank-assisted 'Vazhndhu Kattuvom' project, which focuses on rural transformation and self-reliance of the common people, the program aims to uplift the backward community of Maramangalathupatti. Under this initiative, women between the ages of 20 and 35 are receiving comprehensive training in stitching, along with physiotherapy assistance, life skills training, and entrepreneurship introduction.

The project's Phase-1 has successfully commenced, thanks to the combined efforts of all stakeholders involved. Looking ahead, the Sona CSRI team is actively engaging with local textile and garment manufacturers to provide work contracts to the beneficiaries. Additionally, they are facilitating customized transport to the Skilling Centre run by Sona CSRI, ensuring accessibility for those with special needs. Furthermore, plans are underway to enable some participants to utilize the specially designed sewing machines at home, creating opportunities for remote work. Chocko Valliappa, MD of The Sona Group, expresses pride in Sona College of Technology's CSRI efforts, stating, “From creating a Women Technology Park to engaging with Women Self Help Groups during Covid, we at the Sona group have always focused on women in almost all our community projects. I am proud that Sona College’s CSRI effort is helping 11 women in Maramangalathupatti earn respect as self-reliant women and inspire others to emulate their example”.

Dr SRR Senthilkumar, Principal of Sona College of Technology, highlights the significance of partnering with the 'Vazhndhu Kattuvom' project, stating, "This experience will allow us to use the home-grown technology of the Fashion Technology department to benefit a larger group of women." With Phase 2 of the project now underway, local textile businesses in Salem are joining forces with the initiative, offering specialized training, internships, and work orders to the beneficiaries, further expanding their opportunities.

The Sona Group's commitment to community development and social responsibility has been recognized with the FICCI National Award 2020 for 'Excellence in Institutional Social Responsibility.' Through their efforts, Sona CSRI continues to make a positive impact on the lives of women, particularly those with disabilities, in the Salem region.

In conclusion, The Sona Group's CSR initiative is empowering differently-abled women in Maramangalathupatti with stitching skills, using innovative technology and collaboration. By providing training and creating employment opportunities, Sona CSRI is enabling these women to become self-reliant and inspiring others in their community to follow suit.