Kasturba Sevikashram
A home that empowers girls
In our staunchly patriarchal society, lack of empowerment of women has always been a matter of great concern. To equip women with troubled backgrounds to meet the challenges of the society, Kasturba Sevikashram was started by Dr. T.S. Soundram as an essential unit of Gandhigram in 1947.
Sevikashram’s mission is to serve as a safe home for girls with distressed backgrounds and help them get them the position they are entitled to in the society. We take this mission forward by equipping them with education and practical skill sets.
Through the Ashram, we have been able to provide a home for several women including divorcees, young widows and girls from low income households in remote villages. Today, Sevikashram is a home to over 170 girls and women.
Education
The Ashram has a school that offers general education classes from 6th to 12th grade for girl students in the broad age group of 14 to 20 years. They appear for the X and XII standard examination conducted by Tamil Nadu State Board of examination in Commerce and Computer Science streams. Students are encouraged to pursue higher studies and even undergo a placement process in a field of their choice and based on the marks they secure and the skill they possess.
Rehabilitation
We are proud to state that we have rehabilitated more than 3000 socially and economically disadvantaged women so they can contribute their might to the welfare of the society. These women have now come into their own and are offering their services to the society as doctors, teachers, health workers, social workers and many more.
Extra-curricular Activities
Women at the ashram can choose be a part of several groups that serve the society, including Junior Red cross, Scouts & Guides and Consumers Club. These units are actively involved in various activities, including undertaking extension activities in villages.