Each day, Shobha* now returns to her sewing work with quiet determination. Fabric, thread, and a sewing machine have once again become part of her daily life. Around her, her children continue their studies — a sight that gives her strength.
There was a time, not long ago, when Shobha feared this picture would disappear.
Shobha had always worked hard to support her family. She lived with her husband and four children and earned through tailoring while managing the responsibilities of the household. Life was not easy, but she carried a clear dream: that her children would study well, build successful careers, and have a more secure future.
In November 2024, her life changed suddenly after a neighbourhood conflict escalated into a police case. Shobha was sent to prison, and her family was pushed into emotional and financial distress.
For Shobha, the hardest part of prison was not only being away from home. It was the fear that her children’s education would stop.
With her absence, the family’s income was affected. School fees became difficult to manage. Her children’s studies were interrupted. As a mother, Shobha worried deeply about what this would mean for their future. The life she had worked so hard to hold together suddenly felt uncertain.
The Sahaara team first met Shobha during regular prison visits through Project Azad. The team supported her through legal aid, court follow-up, and rehabilitation planning. They listened to her concerns and began working with her towards release, restoration, and livelihood support.
After Shobha was released, Sahaara continued to support her family. The team helped restart her children’s education by paying pending school fees. They also provided her with a sewing machine so that she could resume tailoring from home. Along with this, counselling, encouragement, and regular follow-up helped her rebuild her confidence.
Slowly, Shobha began to stand again.
With the support of her husband, children, and the Sahaara team, she restarted her tailoring work. The income helped bring some stability back to the family. Her children returned to school and continued their education. What had once felt like a broken future began to look possible again.
Reflecting on her journey, Shobha says, “When I was in prison, I felt that my children would lose their future. After my release, I did not know how to move forward. Sahaara helped restart my children’s education and provided me with a sewing machine so I could earn a living again. Today, my children are studying well, and I have hope for the future. I am thankful to Sahaara for standing with my family during our most difficult time.”
Her family shares, “We are grateful to Sahaara for supporting our family during a very difficult time. Because of their help, our children’s education continued, and Shobha was able to restart her tailoring work. Their support brought hope and stability back into our lives.”
Today, Shobha continues to grow her tailoring business while supporting her children’s education. She dreams of becoming financially independent, helping all her children build successful careers, and one day owning a permanent home for her family.
*Name changed to protect identity