Priyanka, 43, is a talented tailor at Utsaah Cooperative, known for her steady, calming presence and the thoughtful guidance she offers other artisans. Her path to this point has been anything but simple. She left school after 7th grade, and by 18 she was married—stepping into adulthood before she felt ready.
When her family’s financial situation became difficult, Priyanka took a job in a garment factory. The work was relentless. “No talking allowed, long hours, rigid rules, and almost no sense of humanity or joy,” she recalls.
Everything changed with the birth of her daughter. Priyanka wanted a gentler, more meaningful life for both of them, and she found it at Utsah Cooperative. Here she takes on leadership responsibilities, and the empowerment programs have strengthened her confidence and independence. They’ve helped her build practical life skills and encouraged her to speak up, make decisions, and trust her own judgment.
“What I cherish most is the atmosphere,” she says. “Festivals celebrated together, laughter in the afternoons, and learning that feels enjoyable instead of pressured. That contrast—from silence and strain to community and encouragement—has brought real change to my life.”
Today Priyanka allows herself to dream: a slightly bigger home, a small garden, and a bright, expansive future for her daughter, Proakta. “All my challenges have made me stronger,” she says. “I’m happy where I am now.”
