She saw the commencement of Sadhna – A women’s handicraft enterprises in Udaipur, struggled to get the organization recognition in world and generating employment for number of women from rural areas.

After working for 35 years, Leela Vijayvergiya, CEO of Sadhna retired from her position on 26^th Sept. Seema Shah, consultant for Sadhna will take over as the CEO.

Leela has been credited with with spearheading this handicraft movement in Udaipur and increasing the number of members from 15 rural artisans in 1992 to touching lives of over 700 artisans now.

Looking back in 1982, Leela Vijayvergiya remembered joining Seva Mandir as a supervisor of nearly a thousand household projects and how she left the NGO after working for just three years.

In 1988, Leela started a Patch work unit with a limited number of female staff with an intention of providing an alternative option of employment for women in drought hit Mewar. The initiative received support by government and Sadhna was formally formed in 1988.

An Arts Graduate from Meera Girls College, Leela Vijayvergiya nurtured the organization with her buoyancy and determination.

 “The idea of starting patchwork unit hit me during my trip to Gujarat. The next thing was execution and due to the support of my colleagues, we succeed in drawing an outline of our project,” said Leela.

“One of the biggest help I received was from a young woman of Delwara, Choti Yadav, who came in contact with me during my Gujarat trip. Back then she was a shy woman who could not even talk properly but gradually her confidence increased and today after 24 years, Choti Yadav has represented Sadhna at international level,” added Leela.

Under the guidance and leadership of Leela Vijayvergiya, Sadhna received many national and international accolades. More importantly, a number of rural women became self-sufficient and are living a respectful and happy life.

After retirement, Leela Vijayvergiya has decided to be a consultant and help women in developing professional skills.

UT bids a warm farewell to this buoyant leader!