Simply
stories of change
Read how SSMI has impacted women’s lives — and how they have taken the chance to shape their own futures.
renu bhatnagar
As a child, Renu was quiet and observant. Her father, known in the neighborhood as “Master Ji,” taught her the values of discipline, compassion, and service to others. Inspired by him, she grew up wanting to contribute to society.
Life, however, brought difficult challenges. After an arranged marriage marked by violence, humiliation, and financial dependence, Renu made the courageous decision to leave and rebuild her life with her children.
At the Swami Sivananda Memorial Institute (SSMI), she found support and a new beginning. Starting as a community coordinator and later becoming a teacher in informal education, she gradually rebuilt her confidence and purpose.
Today, at the sansaar pottery studio, Renu is discovering her creativity through clay—and dreams of one day sharing this craft with other women and children.
rekha devi
Rekha was only fifteen when she married and moved to Delhi with her husband, carrying the hope of a better life. But when her husband fell seriously ill, that hope quickly gave way to uncertainty. Violence, control, and the constant fear of losing their livelihood became part of her daily reality.
Yet Rekha refused to give up. Determined to support her family, she found a turning point through her work at the Swami Sivananda Memorial Institute (SSMI). There she discovered not only an income, but also protection, guidance, and a community that stood by her.
Through SSMI’s support—education, medical care, and basic financial literacy—Rekha slowly rebuilt her life. Today, she supports her family with confidence and independence, determined to give her children the opportunities and wings she herself never had.
sukhvant kaur
Sukhvant, lovingly called “Baby,” carries a nickname that reflects how young she was when life’s responsibilities began. Married early, she became a mother at just seventeen.
With the encouragement of her husband, Sukhvant joined the Swami Sivananda Memorial Institute (SSMI) to train in pottery. The beginning was not easy. For the first time, she stepped outside her home without a male family member and had to navigate a completely new environment. She was also unable to read or write.
Yet Sukhvant’s curiosity and determination quickly shone through. She learned with dedication, explored her creativity, and soon began contributing her own ideas. Today, her growing confidence and skill allow her to help train other women—showing how courage and the willingness to learn can open doors to new possibilities.
puja
Puja shares not only her deep knowledge of art, but also the confidence to express themselves. For her, the most meaningful moments are watching others discover their creativity and take pride in what they create.
At the Swami Sivananda Memorial Institute (SSMI), art became more than a profession — it became a way to connect, inspire, and grow alongside her students. When she first began working with pottery at the sansaar studio, the material felt unfamiliar. But over time, clay unfolded into a new source of calm and expression, revealing a different rhythm of making—one that brought both peace and inspiration.
Today, Puja is not only a skilled pottery teacher, but also takes on growing responsibility in managing the studio with confidence. For her, art is not a destination, but an ongoing journey—one of learning, creating, and sharing that joy with others.