When French tailor, Barthelemy Thimonnier invented the first functional sewing machine in 1830, he was almost killed and his garment factory was burnt down by French tailors who feared unemployment as a result of his new invention.
	Walter Hunt in 1834 didn't patent his sewing machine believing his invention would cause unemployment.
	Twenty five rural women from the hinterlands of Okhamandal, Gujarat think different.

Sewing machine, which became a bane to its inventor in 1830, is a boon to these women. For it is with these machines that they are going to tailor their future. On May 10, 2007, these women tightened up their seat belts and embarked on a journey never taken before; a journey that began at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Gandhinagar. At NIFT, they learnt the art of sewing from the veterans in the field, thanks to the efforts taken by Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development (TCSRD). TCSRD has organised this training second year in a row for the rural artisans of Okhamandal.

At NIFT, the women learnt the art of product designing, cutting, stitching, quality parameters and everything else that made them an expert in the art of apparel making. The training has equipped them with the skills to make high quality apparels and give the well-known brands a run for their money.

For 21-year-old Poonam, this was a memorable experience. " Before leaving home, I had no idea what NIFT be like. Forty five days at NIFT has completely changed my outlook towards life. I know today for sure that there is no room for anything but the best in the industry.The long sessions from NIFT'S faculty, the constant interaction with the students and working with the great infrastructure has all added value."

Poonam's thoughts are shared by one and all in the group. When Khatija Ben left her 12-year old daughter to undergo the training, she had apprehensions. After undergoing the rigorous training, she is glad she took the decision. Armed with the new skills, she is confident of a better future for her daughter and herself.

TCSRD is in the process of getting industrial machines and build a state of art apparel-manufacturing unit for these women. Their skills would be utilised to make quality apparels, which in turn would provide gainful employment to them.

"When we started, it was a little difficult to get these women out of their homes. But our efforts and their dreams gave them the strength to shed the comfort of their cocoons; a dream to be financially independent, a dream to be able to take her decisions, a dream to empowerment," Says Alka Talwar, Head Community Development at Tata Chemicals.