By Hsiu-Lien Chu and Ching-Chun Lin | India 

A Fresh Start After Durga Puja 

On October 14, 2024, as India wrapped up Durga Puja celebrations, a new chapter began for eight women from the villages of Ganga Bigha and Turi Buzurg. This Monday marked the start of a new beginner sewing course at the Bodh gaya Tzu Chi Office. Each participant came ready to learn not only practical skills but also the values and mindset that would guide them toward greater independence and personal growth. The day began with a calm atmosphere, filled with Jing Si Aphorisms, creating an encouraging environment where the women quickly became familiar with each other, setting the tone for an inspiring journey ahead. 

The Ten Guiding Principles for Learning 

With the start of this new class came new rules and a renewed approach to teaching. Tzu Chi volunteer Geok Kim Lim (林玉金), who traveled from Malaysia, carefully guided the class, explaining each rule and the importance of these principles. The “Ten Precepts of Sewing” emphasized sincerity, responsibility, and compassion alongside technical skills. Lim pointed out that these principles were not only about teaching sewing but also about instilling patience, resilience, and a generous heart.  

As the women repeated the rules aloud, they learned the core principles of respecting parents, honesty, kindness, and a willingness to help others. With sincere guidance, the volunteers created an environment where these eight participants could feel at home, fostering a sense of belonging and community. The session concluded with a reverent bow to the Buddha, marking the first of many shared moments on their journey to skill and self-reliance. 

Building Confidence, One Stitch at a Time 

While some students felt uncertain about their sewing abilities, instructor Afshana Parween, who speaks both Hindi and English, reassured them that practice would bring improvement. She knew each of them personally, having visited their homes to understand their backgrounds and challenges. This connection strengthened her commitment to helping them master this new skill. “Learning this skill means a lot to them,” she said with a smile. “They feel excited to learn something that will empower them.” 

One of the students, Nitu Devi, a single mother, shared her excitement and anxiety. Nitu had faced a challenging path after losing her husband and was slowly beginning to come out of her shell. Lim’s warm encouragement gave her the confidence she needed, reminding her to take one step at a time, whether practicing the sewing machine pedals or remembering each lesson. 

A Family of Learners 

With thoughtful preparation, Lim provided each student with essential tools for the class, such as measuring tapes, rulers, and notebooks. Watching the students try out the sewing machines, she noticed their various comfort levels. Some, like Lalita Devi, had prior experience but needed a refresher. After a few lines of sewing, Lalita’s confidence returned, and she happily shared that the course had also reminded her of the importance of family values. “Jing Si Aphorisms remind me to respect my parents and guide my children,” she said. Lalita felt grateful to be in this supportive environment, sensing a family-like bond with her classmates and instructors. Her dream was one day to teach others in her village, spreading the skills and values she had learned. 

Embracing New Knowledge Together 

On the second day of class, Afshana reviewed the rules again for those who had missed the previous session. She introduced them to the measuring units and explained the difference between centimeters and inches, a brand-new concept for many. Despite the challenge, the students showed a strong determination to learn, diligently copying down measurements and completing practice questions on conversions.  

Afshana taught in both Hindi and English to ensure they understood the terms, leaving them with simple homework exercises. Their enthusiasm to learn despite earlier educational gaps moved everyone in the room, demonstrating their resilience and eagerness to improve. 

Cherishing Parental Love and Embracing Learning 

At the end of each session, the humanistic culture teacher Namrita Kumari joined the class to share Tzu Chi’s values with them. That day, they discussed the importance of honoring and being grateful to one’s parents. Inspired, Sushma Kumari reflected, “Honoring our parents means more than just providing for them. It’s about showing respect, sharing time, and understanding their wishes for our success.” Lalita Devi agreed, mentioning how much her parents had sacrificed for her, providing everything she needed. The lesson reminded them to honor their parents not only with words but through actions of care and support. 

As Master Cheng Yen once advised the volunteers, “It is essential to teach both heart and mind. When the heart is present, the mind follows, and we can truly succeed.” The volunteers took this message to heart, guiding the women not only in learning practical skills but also in building a deeper appreciation for family and personal growth. 

Toward a Bright Future of Self-Reliance 

For these women, learning to sew represents more than acquiring a skill. It’s a transformative journey, leading them toward independence, self-confidence, and dignity. Volunteers like Lim and Afshana are committed to supporting them every step of the way, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed, both practically and emotionally. With every stitch, these women create more than just clothing; they are stitching together a future of resilience, empowerment, and shared hope.