Threads of Courage: The Journey of Sundar Kanwar

Sundar Kanwar

“Before training: Sundar immersed in her routine household tasks.”

The morning sun spread its soft light across the village of Kansingh ki Seed as the household slowly came to life. Amid the quiet bustle, twenty-three-year-old Sundar Kanwar swept the courtyard, her mind echoing the same thought every morning—
“Another day, the same routine…”

Her life revolved around cooking, cleaning, caring for her siblings, and supporting her family. With her education ending in the eighth grade and limited opportunities around her, she had long believed that her future would remain confined within household walls. Financial challenges, social restrictions, and the constant weight of responsibilities shaped her early years, leaving little room for dreams.

Sundar’s education had stopped at the eighth grade. The disappointment of incomplete schooling, her family’s limited income, and the endless household responsibilities seemed to clip the wings of her dreams. But in a quiet corner of her heart, a question lingered—
“Am I really meant to be confined to the household forever?”

A Step Towards Independence

“Every lesson at the center brings Sundar one step closer to independence.”

One day, a neighbor informed her: “There is a new Local2Global stitching center nearby. Girls are learning, and some are even earning.”

For the first time, Sundar felt a flutter of excitement. At the same time, fear tugged at her—
“What if I fail? What if my family does not allow me?”

With quiet resolve, she decided, “At least I have to try once.”

Her first day at the center was intimidating. The hum of the machines, the presence of new girls, the uncertainty of the unknown—everything made her nervous. Yet, by evening, she made a promise to herself:
“I will come every day. I will learn. I will prove myself.”

That was the moment that began to change the direction of her life.

Skill Development & Growth

Slowly, Sundar’s fingers began to find their rhythm on the sewing machine. At first, her stitches were crooked, her cuts inaccurate, and threads snapped repeatedly. Frustration shadowed her efforts. But with the patience and guidance of Urmila Ma’am and Priyanka Ma’am, she persevered.

“Skill in action: Sundar working at the center after her training.”

Each day, each practice sample, brought not only technical skill but also confidence and self-belief. She began to understand the beauty of precision in embroidery. The once trembling hands now moved with purpose and skill.

“The foundation of dreams is laid here—Sundar at the Local2Global center.”

Then came the day she had never imagined—the first production order. Holding her embroidered patch in her hands, tears welled up in her eyes. The realization hit her:
“I can do this… I really can.”

From that day, her confidence doubled. She completed three to four more production orders, each time gaining mastery and pride. Her family, seeing her efforts and earnings, beamed with pride. Her father’s eyes reflected respect, her mother’s smile carried joy, and her siblings were inspired.

Transformation & Impact

Through the Local2Global and WomenServe training, Sundar experienced remarkable growth in both skill and confidence. From being a shy learner, she evolved into an active participant—speaking openly in group discussions, guiding new trainees, and experimenting with advanced embroidery techniques.

Her transformation extended beyond the center as well:

• Contributing financially to her family

• Helping with groceries

• Saving small amounts for her brother’s education

• Meeting her personal needs independently

Each order she completed strengthened her sense of purpose and self-belief. The proud moment came when her family said:
“Sundar is earning now… and she’s doing it so well.”

With fear replaced by dreams and hesitation replaced by determination, Sundar now stands as a confident artisan and an inspiration for other girls in her village.

Aspirations

Sundar dreams of:

• Owning her own machine

• Working on regular production orders

• Mastering advanced embroidery

• Becoming an assistant trainer to teach more girls in the village

Sundar Kanwar’s story proves that when a woman is given opportunity, training, and belief, she can rewrite her own life story. Local2Global and WomenServe provided not just skills, but a new identity, direction, and a brighter future.

“Sundar proudly presenting the finished production order with her team of artisans.”

The streets of Kansingh ki Seed now echo with Sundar’s laughter and the hum of her sewing machine. The girl once confined to her home has spread her wings—her hands crafting, her mind dreaming, and her spirit soaring high.

“When opportunity meets confidence, any woman can write her own story.”