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Naveen Srikantaiah

Celebrating 50 women and their incredible achievement

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Women Empowerment


4 min read

A Skill Today, A More Independent Tomorrow

A new skill is often the spark that ignites a new possibility. For 50 women in Upparahalli village, Karnataka, completing a tailoring training programme is more than just a certificate. It is a powerful step toward greater confidence, sustainable livelihood opportunities, and true financial independence.

50
Women Trained

8th
Batch Completed

100%
Livelihood Focus

Sometimes, a new beginning starts with a simple skill

Real change rarely happens in a single, dramatic moment. More often, it begins quietly—with a small opportunity to learn something new, develop a practical ability, and discover possibilities that previously felt out of reach.

For women in rural communities, access to vocational training is particularly meaningful. It provides a genuine starting point to explore rural livelihood opportunities, contribute to family income, and take greater control over their economic future.

In Upparahalli village, located in the Gauribidanur taluk of Karnataka, 50 women have taken this exact step. The 8th batch of Kritagyata Trust’s Tailoring Skill Learning Programme recently concluded, marking the successful completion of training for 50 dedicated participants.

Celebrating 50 women and their incredible achievement

To mark the end of this journey, a certificate distribution ceremony was held. Mrs. Aruna Diwakar was present to congratulate the participants, recognizing the sheer dedication and hard work they poured into their learning.

For these women, receiving a certificate is a symbol of a journey completed, but it is also a moment to look forward. It is an opportunity to reflect on how far they have come and to decide what they want to pursue next.

Behind every successful skill development programme are countless hours of practice, patience, and quiet determination. Completing this training is an achievement worth celebrating, especially because it opens the door to a whole new set of future possibilities.

Women Tailoring Training Program - Kritagyata Trust

Graduates of Kritagyata Trust’s 8th Tailoring Batch in Upparahalli village, Karnataka.

Turning a learned skill into a real opportunity

Learning tailoring is about much more than just stitching fabric together. With the right environment, it becomes a launchpad for various livelihood options.

One woman might choose to take up stitching work from the comfort of her home. Another might start serving customers in her immediate neighborhood. Over time, some may even build a small tailoring enterprise of their own. These aren’t guaranteed outcomes, but they are very real possibilities. The truth is, turning a skill into a steady income usually takes more than just the training itself.

“At Kritagyata Trust, we believe that when a woman is given the opportunity to build her skills and pursue her ambitions, the impact can reach far beyond her own journey.”

— Kritagyata Trust

Why continuous support makes all the difference

Training is just the first step. For women to build truly sustainable livelihoods, they need an ecosystem of ongoing support:

1. Equipment Access

Providing a sewing machine means a trained woman can begin practicing and honing her craft independently at home.

2. Market Linkages

Connecting her with local customers and markets is key to turning her skills into a reliable, income-generating venture.

3. Mentorship & Guidance

Ongoing encouragement and advice help her navigate the inevitable challenges that come with starting something new.

Empowering women, strengthening entire communities

True women’s empowerment isn’t just about handing out training certificates. It is about building an environment where women have the confidence, resources, and freedom to make their own choices about their futures.

When women are able to earn a livelihood and participate in household financial decisions, the benefits ripple outward. Families gain a more stable income, children benefit from greater household security, and the local community becomes stronger as more women participate actively in the economy.

Mrs Aruna Diwakar interacting with trainees

Interacting with Trainees

Mrs Aruna Diwakar interacting with trainees

Guiding the Students

Mrs Aruna Diwakar interacting with trainees

A Moment of Encouragement

Mrs Aruna Diwakar distributing certificates

Certificate Distribution

Mrs Aruna Diwakar distributing certificates

Handing Over Certificates

Mrs Aruna Diwakar distributing certificates

Proud Moments

Mrs Aruna Diwakar distributing certificates

A New Beginning

Mrs Aruna Diwakar distributing certificates

Celebrating Success

Mrs Aruna Diwakar distributing certificates

The Graduation Ceremony

Women tailoring program initiative

The Tailoring Batch

Women tailoring program initiative

Learning Together

Women tailoring program initiative

Empowered Graduates

Looking ahead: Creating more opportunities for more women

The graduation of the 8th tailoring batch is a major milestone for us. Watching fifty women complete their training and step into a new chapter reminds us exactly why we do this work: every woman deserves the chance to learn, grow, and pursue her dreams.

A skill learned today can become a livelihood tomorrow. And an opportunity created today can help shape a much stronger, more resilient future for generations to come.

Congratulations to all 50 graduates!

Be Part of Creating More Opportunities

You can help women build a better future. Whether you are an individual looking to make a direct impact, or a corporation seeking meaningful CSR collaborations, your support changes lives.

book donations for charity

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Book donation · Kritagyata Trust

One book can open a whole world

Books are the best source of knowledge, and knowledge is most useful when it is shared. Give a child a story, a textbook or a reason to keep learning.

Start a book driveDonate online
Books being distributed to children at Kritagyata Trust
Why books matter

Knowledge grows when we share it

Interest in education is growing across India, and every child deserves access to the books that go with it: stories that build imagination, and textbooks and reference books that support school and professional learning.

The simplest way to support Kritagyata Trust is to spread the word. Tell your school, college, office or neighbourhood, and organise a book donation drive together.

Book donation drive supported by Kritagyata Trust
Books donated for children at Kritagyata Trust
Children at Kritagyata Trust
Book distribution at Kritagyata Trust
Book donations received by Kritagyata Trust
What to donate

Which books can you donate?

Children of different ages need different kinds of books. These are the types that help most; please confirm current needs with our team before you collect.

Storybooks

Picture books, fables and story collections that build a love of reading.

Textbooks and workbooks

School books and practice workbooks that support classroom learning.

General knowledge

Encyclopaedias, science, history and reference books for curious minds.

Career and professional learning

Books that help older students prepare for exams and future careers.

Good to know: books should be clean, complete and readable. Email or call us first so we can tell you what is needed most right now.

Ways to help

Three ways to give

01

Organise a book donation camp

Bring people together in your school, college, office, residential society or any place you choose.

Email us

02

Donate online

Prefer to give funds? Your contribution helps children directly, and donations are eligible for 50% tax exemption under Section 80G.

Donate now

03

Support through My Home

Learn about My Home, where Kritagyata Trust runs its book donation campaign for children.

Visit My Home

Suggested steps

Run a book drive in four steps

  1. Pick a place and dateSchool, college, office or society: wherever you can reach people.
  2. Talk to us firstCall or email us to confirm which books are most useful right now.
  3. Collect and sortGather books and group them by age and subject.
  4. Hand them overShare your photos with us so your community sees the difference.
CSR activity with Mitsui & Co. India Pvt. Ltd at Kritagyata Trust
For companies and teams

Bring your team into it

A book drive works well as a team activity. Companies such as Mitsui & Co. India Pvt. Ltd have joined Kritagyata Trust for CSR activities, and your office can take part too.

Explore CSR partnerships
Questions

Frequently asked questions

Who can organise a book donation drive?

Anyone can. Schools, colleges, offices and companies, residential societies and community groups are all welcome to organise a drive in their own place.

What kinds of books do you accept?

Storybooks, textbooks and workbooks, general knowledge and reference books, and career-oriented books. Please contact us before collecting so we can confirm what is needed.

How do I hand over the books?

Get in touch by phone or email and our team will discuss how to deliver or arrange the books with you.

Can I donate money instead of books?

Yes. You can donate online, and donations to Kritagyata Trust are eligible for 50% tax exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.

Is a tax receipt available for book donations?

Please ask our team about receipts for book donations when you contact us. Online monetary donations are eligible for 80G benefits.

How can I support the Trust in other ways?

You can volunteer, celebrate a birthday with the children, sponsor a meal, or partner with us through your company’s CSR programme.

My HomeBirthday celebrationsVolunteerSponsor a mealCSR partnershipsOur blog

It is really nice to see the children happy and well educated.Shilpa, Google review

See more in our photo gallery, on YouTube, or learn how companies partner with us through CSR.

Get in touch

Ready to give a child the gift of reading?

Tell us about your school, office or community and we’ll help you plan your book drive.

Email usCall +91 99012 38222Donate online

Donations are eligible for 50% tax exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.


A Fresh Coat of Paint, A Renewed School at GHPS Halbhavi Tanda

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A brighter building can do more than look good. At GHPS Halbhavi Tanda, it gives children a learning space that feels cared for, a place to learn, grow and imagine their futures.

GHPS Halbhavi Tanda · Rural Raichur, Karnataka, India

Donate nowOur story

The renovation and painting at GHPS Halbhavi Tanda. Watch more on our YouTube channel or the video gallery.

More than a fresh coat of paint

Schools are where children build foundational skills, try new ideas, make friends and begin to see what they are capable of.

Keeping school buildings in good condition makes them more welcoming for students and teachers alike. Paint alone cannot solve every challenge in education, but caring for school infrastructure is one meaningful part of supporting rural learning.

Why learning spaces matter

Education depends on many things: committed teachers, good learning resources, supportive communities and suitable facilities.

A well-kept school tells children that their learning matters. Every classroom is a chance to gain knowledge, grow in confidence and work towards a goal.

Supporting rural education

School improvement is about more than buildings. It is about recognising the spaces where learning happens and the communities that rely on them.

The renovation and painting at GHPS Halbhavi Tanda is a chance to celebrate that care for learning environments in rural Karnataka.

At Kritagyata Trust, we believe supporting education includes caring for the places where children learn and develop their potential. Read more about our vision and mission, or see how funds are used in our financials.

A refreshed beginning

A brighter wall may seem like a small change, yet every effort to care for a school draws attention to the value of educational opportunity.

Behind every classroom are children with different interests, abilities and dreams. They deserve encouragement, care and the chance to build their futures.

As GHPS Halbhavi Tanda welcomes its refreshed learning environment, we celebrate schools as places where curiosity grows, learning flourishes and possibilities take shape.

A renewed school. A refreshed beginning. Countless possibilities.

About Kritagyata Trust

Kritagyata Trust works towards meaningful social impact, including initiatives that support education and community development.

Learn more at www.kritagyata.org.

Call +91 99012 38222
#260/1, 2nd Main, 11th Cross, Maruthi Nagar, Yelahanka, Bangalore – 560064

Letters of Learning: Paint for a Purpose | Kritagyata Trust

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Corporate Volunteering & Education

Letters of Learning: Paint for a Purpose

Zendesk volunteers and Kritagyata Trust, painting learning aids for children in government schools.

Education is about more than textbooks and classrooms. Colourful learning materials, creative activities, and community participation can help make children’s educational experiences more engaging.

Through Letters of Learning: Paint for a Purpose, Kritagyata Trust collaborated with Zendesk volunteers from Bengaluru and Pune to create colourful educational learning aids intended for children in government schools.

Bengaluru & Pune
Zendesk volunteers from two cities
Hand-painted
Alphabets, numbers and shapes
Government schools
Learning aids for children

Zendesk volunteers painting educational learning aids during the Letters of Learning initiative with Kritagyata Trust

Volunteers painting learning aids

Hand-painted alphabets, numbers and shapes made by Zendesk volunteers for Kritagyata Trust

Alphabets, numbers and shapes

Turning Creativity into Learning Opportunities

What happens when creativity meets a shared commitment to education? Simple learning materials can become an opportunity for people to contribute their time and skills to a meaningful community initiative.

As part of Letters of Learning: Paint for a Purpose, Zendesk volunteers hand-painted alphabets, numbers, and geometric shapes to create colourful visual learning aids. These resources are intended to support engaging learning activities for children in government schools.

Learning with a purpose: every painted letter, number, and shape represents the time, creativity, and enthusiasm volunteers brought to this initiative.

The Value of Corporate Volunteering

Corporate volunteering creates opportunities for employees to contribute their time, creativity, and skills to community-focused initiatives. It can also strengthen connections between businesses and nonprofit organisations working towards shared social goals.

The participation of Zendesk volunteers from Bengaluru and Pune demonstrates how people from different teams and locations can collaborate on an educational initiative, and contribute beyond their everyday professional responsibilities.

Partner With Us: Make an Impact With Your Team

There are several ways for organisations and individuals to support children’s education with Kritagyata Trust:

Employee Volunteering

Bring your team together for guided painting, teaching, and school support activities, coordinated by Kritagyata Trust.

Book a Volunteer Drive →

Resource Sponsorship

Fund educational materials and learning kits for children in government schools.

Sponsor an Initiative →

Strategic CSR Partnerships

Align your sustainability goals with multi-year, multi-school programmes.

Explore CSR Partnerships →

Direct Donations

Support Kritagyata Trust’s work with children and communities. Donations are eligible for 80G tax exemption.

Donate Online →

Why Foundational Learning Matters

Letters, numbers, and geometric shapes are important building blocks in children’s early learning journeys. Visual resources can complement classroom instruction by giving children additional ways to explore basic concepts.

Colourful educational aids can support teachers as they introduce concepts through visual and interactive activities. Their usefulness ultimately depends on how they are incorporated into teaching and learning.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Volunteers

Community initiatives become possible when people bring their ideas, energy, and skills together.

Kritagyata Trust extends its sincere gratitude to the Zendesk volunteers from Bengaluru and Pune who participated in Letters of Learning: Paint for a Purpose.

Their time, creativity, and enthusiasm contributed to an initiative centred on educational resources and community participation. We value collaborations that bring people together around a shared commitment to social development.

Every Brushstroke Has a Purpose

A simple creative activity can become part of a wider community effort when people come together with a shared goal. Letters of Learning: Paint for a Purpose brought creativity and corporate volunteering together in support of children’s educational experiences. The colourful alphabets, numbers, and shapes reflect the volunteers’ contribution to this initiative.

Help More Children Learn With Colour

Whether through CSR partnerships, volunteering, or donations, your involvement helps bring the next learning activity to life.

Donations are eligible for 80G tax exemption.

GHPS Kesarahatti: Improving School Sanitation and Digital Learning for Rural Children

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Government Higher Primary School, Kesarahatti  ·  Lingasuguru taluk, Karnataka

Two toilets. Two computers. One school, reimagined.

For more than 150 children at a rural Karnataka school, a missing toilet block was more than an inconvenience — it shaped whether they could stay comfortable, dignified, and focused through the school day. Here’s what changed.

150+students at GHPS Kesarahatti
60%of students are girls
2new toilet blocks — boys and girls
2computers for digital learning

Going to school should mean stepping into a place that feels safe, comfortable, and supportive to learn in. Until recently, that wasn’t fully true at GHPS Kesarahatti. More than 150 students attended classes here without a single functional toilet on campus.

Because girls make up more than 60% of the student body, the gap wasn’t just an infrastructure shortfall — it was a daily question of dignity and comfort that shaped how present and at ease students could really be in their own school.

New School Toilets Facilites gifted by Kritagyata Trust

Creating a more dignified school environment

Kritagyata Trust, led by founder Aruna Diwakar, worked with the support of Savitri Nandeshwar Malu to change that. Two new toilet blocks now stand on campus — one for boys, one for girls — giving every student reliable access to basic sanitation during the school day.

School sanitation isn’t a footnote to education. It’s part of what lets a child sit through a full day of class without worry.

Supporting hygiene and well-being

In many rural schools, a working toilet still can’t be taken for granted. At GHPS Kesarahatti, the new blocks are a practical, immediate answer to that gap — and for the girls who make up most of the student body, having a dedicated, private facility on-site carries particular weight.

Bringing computers into the classroom

Alongside the sanitation work, the initiative added two computers to the school. As digital tools become a bigger part of how children learn, this gives students at GHPS Kesarahatti an early, direct chance to build comfort with technology — inside their own classroom, on their own campus.

The effort sits within Kritagyata Trust’s wider education initiatives, which focus on building better learning conditions for children across the region.

Why rural school infrastructure matters

Education is more than textbooks and timetables. It depends on children having an environment that supports their physical comfort, their dignity, and their ability to actually take part in class. Sanitation and technology sit at opposite ends of a school’s needs, yet both shape the same outcome: whether a child can show up fully. That’s the thinking behind Kritagyata Trust’s broader work in rural education development — pairing essential infrastructure with access to learning resources.

Two toilet blocks, two computers — four additions that reach beyond their own numbers into how more than 150 children experience school each day.

For a child, dignity can begin with something as ordinary as a functional toilet. Opportunity can begin with something as simple as a working computer. Together, they build a school where students can learn with more comfort and more confidence.

Building better possibilities for rural children

Kritagyata Trust sees school development as part of strengthening education itself — addressing sanitation, learning resources, digital access, and whatever else a school identifies as a real need. GHPS Kesarahatti is one example of what that focused, practical support can look like on the ground.

Better facilities. Better learning. Greater possibilities for rural children.

Support rural educationVisit kritagyata.org

Reported on behalf of Kritagyata Trust, founded by Aruna Diwakar, with support from Savitri Nandeshwar Malu for the GHPS Kesarahatti initiative.

How Supporting a Tailoring Unit Weaves Social Change in Rural Karnataka

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Stitching Destinies: Ayudha Pooja & Women Empowerment Through Skill Development

Vocational Training & Livelihood • Kritagyata Trust

In the quiet corners of rural Karnataka, a powerful transformation is underway, its rhythm set by the steady hum of a sewing machine. At Kritagyata Trust, this sound is the heartbeat of change—a testament to how traditional skills, when paired with modern support, can tailor new destinies.

This intersection of heritage and hope was recently celebrated during Ayudha Pooja, a festival honoring the instruments of our trade that underscores the very core of our mission.

Beyond Ritual: Ayudha Pooja as a Symbol of Sustainable Impact

While many across India worship tools during Ayudha Pooja, the ceremony at the Kritagyata Trust tailoring unit carries a profound purpose. The sewing machines, scissors, and measuring tapes adorned with flowers and turmeric are not just objects of reverence; they are tangible agents of social impact, skill development, and women empowerment in Karnataka.

For the women we serve, mastering this craft translates directly into sustainable livelihoods, financial autonomy, and the dignity that comes with self-reliance. Empowering individuals with vocational skills and the tools to utilize them remains one of the most effective pathways to eradicating poverty.

The Multiplier Effect: From One Woman to an Entire Community

  • Economic Empowerment: Women gain financial independence, becoming active contributors to household income and family decisions.
  • Educational Stability: A consistent household income ensures children stay in school, breaking cycles of poverty through indirect educational support.
  • Community Resilience: Empowered women become community advocates for health, child nutrition, and general welfare.

Partner With Us: Be a Tool of Change

Scaling this proven model requires ongoing collaboration across sectors. We invite corporates, institutions, and individuals to become active partners in our mission:

  • Strategic CSR Partnerships: Establish new tailoring units, equip rural centers with modern equipment, and sponsor training batches with measurable ESG outcomes.
    Explore CSR Programs →
  • Direct Donations: Fund sewing machines, provide raw materials, or cover complete vocational training costs for women in need.
    Donate Online →
  • Skill-Based Volunteering: Share expertise in digital strategy, finance, or marketing to help amplify our grassroots reach.
    Volunteer With Us →
  • Long-Term Sponsorship: Sponsor vocational trainees or child education to provide consistent stability for families over time.

Help Empower More Women Across Karnataka

Whether through CSR partnerships, donations, or volunteering, your involvement stitches the next chapter of independence.

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All children deserve to live in safe, nurturing homes
where they can feel valued and loved.

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Get 50% tax exemption on your donation to Kritagyata under section 80G of the Income Tax Act.