Sarvamangala Society Nurtures the
Next Generation of Leaders
The tiny Himalayan region of Sikkim is
marking its presence in the global panorama. In a testament to Sikkim's
commitment to women's empowerment, Sarvamangala Society, co-founded by Suprabha
Sharma in Chhota Singtam just three years ago along with mentors and supporters
from the UK and Switzerland, is lighting the way for the state's brightest
girls. With its roots firmly planted in Sikkim, the society is already making
an indelible impact on 196 girls, 105 of whom hail from the communities of our
state.
Sikkim has long been recognized as a
pioneer in India for its socially inclusive vision. Encouraged by the state’s
openness to societal upliftment, Sarvamangala Society provides invaluable
opportunities to girls brimming with potential and determination. Its mission
is straightforward yet profound: to support and empower girls with the
knowledge, skills and confidence they need to succeed.
Through this program, girls are not only
completing their education but are also being exposed to specialized training
that sets them apart.
A cornerstone of Sarvamangala Society's
success has been its partnership with esteemed international consultants. It
has recently introduced body-language training guided by an expert from
Switzerland who upskills Swiss government employees. This unique program, now
also offered to Sikkimese girls, helps them cultivate an assured presence and
exude confidence. 17-year-old Dawki, one of the girls excited about this
program, commented: ‘I could never imagine how important it is to learn
confident body-language. I am really grateful.’
A Swiss psychologist is offering
workshops on goal setting, planning and stress management. These workshops are
helping the girls to set clear objectives, manage their time effectively and
navigate the pressures of life with resilience. This integral approach ensures
that they are not only prepared academically but are also mentally and
emotionally equipped to succeed in whatever paths they choose in today’s
competitive ecosystems. 21-year-old Sonam, who has been attending all the
sessions, said: ‘It really felt great to learn about the psychological factors
underlying stress and how to handle them.’
Career guidance is offered by a PhD
holder trained in Germany, who helps the girls explore diverse career paths,
understand the global job market and make informed decisions about their
futures. 24-year-old Punam, who got placed immediately with a good salary
thanks to the career guidance she received through Sarvamangala Society,
commented: ‘…’
In an increasingly digital world, IT
skills are essential. Women professionals at a leading IT company based in
Dubai have generously offered their expertise, providing cutting-edge IT skills
training. The girls are equipped with crucial technological know-how, making
them competitive candidates in the job market and empowering them to create
innovative solutions for the challenges of tomorrow. 19-year-old Yashoda, who
has been diligently attending the IT skills sessions offered by MSE Technology
for the past six months, said: ‘Learning computer applications every week has
opened up my possibilities.’
For the past two years, two experts
trained by the British Council, renowned for its excellence in language
education, having been offering Spoken English classes, teaching writing skills
and providing interview training. This vital guidance opens doors to higher
education and international opportunities, while also honouring our state’s
languages like Nepali, Bhutia and Lepcha. 14-year-old Ritu remarked: ‘These
lessons have simply opened my eyes.’
Sarvamangala Society has garnered strong
support from notable global figures. One of the project's most ardent champions
is a distinguished inventor who worked with Steve Jobs at Apple and has
hundreds of patents and inventions in her name. As a global tech leader, her
support underscores the society's commitment to fostering innovation and
excellence among Sikkim's young women.
Sarvamangala Society’s achievements have
not gone unnoticed on the international stage. In October last year, the
organization was invited by the Swiss Embassy in New Delhi to speak about the
work it has been doing. Two Sarvamangala girls from Sikkim interacted directly
with the Swiss Ambassador Dr. Ralf Heckner, who told them how much he loved and
admired the people of Sikkim. He greatly enjoyed his recent courtesy visit to
Sikkim at the invitation of the Chief Minister. Sarvamangala Society’s work was
praised by the Ambassador and leading diplomats, who pledged their support.
Subsequently, one of the Swiss diplomats visited Sikkim, noting the many
similarities between the mountainous country of Switzerland and our hill state.
At the heart of the society’s work is a
dedicated team of 140 mentors, 115 of whom are from Sikkim. These mentors, all
of whom are women, play a pivotal role in nurturing and guiding the girls. They
offer not just academic support but also life coaching and career advice. They
serve as role models, showing the girls what is possible through hard work and
determination. The mentors are integral to the success of the program,
providing personalized attention and fostering an environment where each girl
feels individually valued and supported.
Suprabha Sharma believes that Sikkim can
become a model for the rest of India to follow. As Sikkim continues to lead the
way in women's empowerment, the Sarvamangala girls’ success stands as a shining
example of what can be achieved when vision meets action.
