Even as children, siblings J. Sumathi and R. Arshavardhini wanted to take up social service. Due to various commitments, they were not able to turn intention into action. They took the plunge this April, when they set up a facility at Chromepet where women are taught tailoring and trained in making appalam and vadam , idly powder, mats, handbags, herbal care products and washing powder. The classes, offered free, are also conducted at Perungalathur and Mudichur. The sisters also raise awareness about social issues and healthy practices.
“When we expressed our desire to start such a programme, the response was encouraging. We had attended the Jallikattu protests at Marina and many of the women we met there warmed up to the idea. They also supported us by finding us resource staff who could anchor some of the training programmes,” says Arshavardhini, a resident of Mudichur. Those women who get trained through these programmes, train the other women in their neighbourhood.
“We are planning to conduct classes in terrace gardening and also provide free legal consultation and psychological counselling,” says Sumathi, a resident of New Colony in Chromepet.
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The sisters can be reached at 9884833957 or 7299575763.