The women in Shirali and the nearby villages, traditionally dependent on seasonal agriculture had very few opportunities to supplement their income.  Srivali Samvit Sudha was hence created to bring simple vocational skills to their doorsteps. The aim is to make girls and young women financially independent by training them in tailoring skills including stitching and embroidery and fabric screen printing, depending on their aptitude and age.

This unique small-scale vocational training unit, Srivali Samvit Sudha was set up in 1999 by the Srivali Trust to help young women particularly from the underprivileged sections of society.

Following an initial training on sewing machines in batches of 25, the young women continue to work with Samvit Sudha until they get married. Of the 250 girls who have benefited from the training so far, today at least about 50 have the pride of establishing their own tailoring unit in nearby villages and becoming economically independent.

Over the years, they have been taught to make attractive handicrafts like sling bags, handkerchiefs, batwas, asans, curtains, petticoats, handmade paper products, paper bags, etc. These flexi-time opportunities to learn skills helps them to earn a sustainable income which in turn gives a tremendous boost and support to their self-esteem and confidence.

Srivali Samvit Sudha was awarded the " Motibhai Doshi Foundation Award 2006-07 " for its excellent work for the upliftment of rural girls and women, from among 108 nominations received from Karnataka. On behalf of Samvit Sudha, Smt. Yogini Pandit, its Sanchalika, received the Award at a well-attended ceremony in Hubli on June 30, 2007.

Innovating and experimenting with new ideas, Samvit Sudha comes out regularly with new products. A smart ‘Pouch ‘ (to keep the Anushthan kit) was made last year. In the Tercentenary Year this year, waist pouches were specially made for the yatris of Guru Jyoti Yatra!

Making school uniforms for the children of Srivali High School was challenging! Yet not ones to be put off by the challenge, the women at Samvit Sudha, learnt the fine nuances that go into making the uniforms and since the first year of the school, every single uniform is a product of Samvit Sudha!  At an average of five hundred uniforms per academic year ( And this is the FIFTH year!), the uniforms are made with great care to the last button hole and delivered – smartly ironed by the girls themselves! Isn’t this a matter of great pride?