The life of a person with a disability is often riddled with low self-esteem and concern over quality of life. It was no different for Sabitri Mahato, especially because she is a young woman with locomotor disability and belongs to a poor household. Her family used to fret over her prospects as her mother has an invisible disability—psychiatric disorder.

Sabitri was keen on being independent. This led her to approach a Vocational Rehabilitation Centre in Kolkata, however, they referred her to The Leprosy Mission Vocational Training Centre (VTC) in Bankura. She enrolled herself for the sewing technology course. Before joining the course, she was unsure about her capability of pursuing sewing technology, but after her admission she saw many other students with disabilities getting trained in sewing technology. That gave her confidence!

Thankfully, your disability cannot rob you of your sincerity and diligence! For the next years, Sabita focussed on doing one thing: toiling. She thrived in that lively environment and felt upbeat! Her days at the VTC were not just about perfecting her craft, but also about improving her soft skills and employability skills, which were to help her in the future.

On successful completion of training, she received a government certificate and immediately joined a local garment factory. Later, with the help of the placement officer at TLM VTC, she got a job at a garment factory in Kolkata. Her monthly salary is INR 12,000.

From being a cause of concern to her family, Sabita is now the talk of her village. She is helping her father run the family. “I wish all the students at the VTC are able to stand on their feet,” says Sabita.