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Who We Are

Uplifting Women Since 1929

Dada Vaswani Skill Development Institute (DVSDI), established in December 2021, is dedicated to Women Empowerment. Through free, government-recognised skill development courses, DVSDI enables women from underprivileged backgrounds to gain employable skills, achieve financial independence, and live a life of dignity. Operating across Manjri & Pimpri (Pune), with fully equipped infrastructure, the Institute is a safe space where women learn, grow, and rebuild their lives with confidence.

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Our History & Inspiration

Rooted in Dada’s Vision, Guided by His Strength

DVSDI is a living expression of the vision of Revered Dada J.P. Vaswani, who often said:

“Women fashion the soul of a nation. It is a woman’s soul that will lead us upward on.”

During Dada Shyam Foundation’s seva activities, a stark reality became clear — many women, even in the 21st century, remained dependent, unskilled, and vulnerable. The COVID-19 pandemic further magnified these struggles, showing how uncertain life could be for women without employable skills.

It was Dada’s faith in the potential and shakti of women that gave birth to DVSDI in December 2021. The Institute was envisioned as a safe and supportive space where mothers, sisters, and daughters could:

  • Discover their hidden talents

  • Gain employable skill

  • Build confidence and financial independence

  • Step into a future of dignity and respect


This foundation, inspired by Dada’s compassion and belief in women continues to guide every step of DVSDI’s journey.

Courses We Offer

Pathways to Possibility

All courses are free of cost and come with certification from the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Govt. of India.


Highlights:

  • Designed for both immediate income generation and long-term career growth.

  • Blend of theory, practice, and formal evaluations.

  • Experienced trainers provide personal guidance.

  • Extra practice sessions and 80% attendance ensure real skill-building.

  • Students enjoy flexible practice hours and free access to all training materials.

  • Counselling sessions help overcome mental and financial barriers.​​

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Available Courses
DVSDI offers a variety of courses to suit different interests and career paths. These include regular programs such as Tally, Baking, Cooking, Beautician Training, and Computer Fundamentals, as well as short-term creative courses like Diya Painting & Decoration, Mehndi, Tailoring, Cuisine-Based Cooking, and Diwali Craft.

Regular Course Descriptions


Tally


This course helps participants build a strong foundation in accounting. Students learn how to enter transactions, prepare financial statements, analyse performance, generate professional MIS reports and more.


Computer Fundamentals


Perfect for beginners, this course introduces essential computer skills. Students learn to use MS Word and Excel, prepare presentations on PowerPoint, manage data, and work confidently with the internet and email.

 

Baking


A hands-on training program covering breads, cakes, cookies, biscuits, and savouries. Participants also learn to make brownies, chocolates, and festive delights like modaks.

 

Beautician


This course prepares students to provide basic beauty and hairstyling services including threading, facials, manicure, pedicure, and bleaching. It also emphasizes professional ethics, safe work practices, and proper use of beauty equipment.

 

Cooking


The cooking program introduces students to a wide range of cuisines and techniques. From fresh salads and wholesome soups to traditional curries, dals, and rice preparations, students gain versatile culinary skills. The course includes popular Indian snacks like Pav Bhaji, along with Chinese favorites such as noodles and Manchurian. South Indian specialties are also taught. Classic desserts including Gulab Jamun, Rasmalai, and more. To complement these, students also learn to prepare raitas, chutneys, and pickles, making the course a complete culinary experience.

Challenges in the Journey

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DVSDI strives to empower women with skills and confidence, but a few roadblocks come our way. But we strive to keep moving as Revered Dada Vaswani reminds us, “Problems are stepping stones, not stopping stones.”

 

  • Overhead costs: Maintenance, electricity, and administration form a major part of running a full-fledged institute.
     

  • Trainer remuneration: Retaining skilled trainers requires fair compensation to ensure quality learning.
     

  • Course materials: From baking ingredients to cooking essentials, all raw materials are provided free to learners—an investment that ensures hands-on training but adds to expenses.
     

  • Equipment: Computer-based courses demand constant upkeep of systems, which is cost-intensive.
     

  • Counselling support: Many learners need guidance to break mental barriers, build confidence, and understand career and financial options—making counselling a vital, yet costly, necessity.

Impact

A Unique Model: Turning Skills into Livelihoods

Since its inception, Dada Vaswani Skill Development Institute (DVSDI) has been a catalyst of change, empowering women from underprivileged backgrounds to step into a brighter, more independent future. As of September 2025, more than 500 women have successfully completed courses here—many of them started earning a living and even contributing meaningfully to their households.


In addition, the Dada Shyam Foundation actively supports these women by providing raw materials and purchasing their finished products. This unique model ensures that learners can showcase and sell their work, earn a sustainable income, and grow their confidence—without the financial burden of upfront costs. On average, women who dedicate just 3–6 hours of work a day are now able to earn around 3-5 thousand per month—transforming not only their own lives but also their families’.
 

Stories of Change

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Ashwini Bhondwe


After completing the Basic Sewing Operator Course, Ashwini found her life transformed.


“In our community, it is difficult for women to even step out of the house. The reputation of DVSDI gave my family confidence to support me. Today, I feel proud to contribute to household expenses without depending on my husband for small needs. The people around me now see me differently—they see me as capable.”


With the support of raw materials provided by Sadhu Vaswani Mission, Ashwini stitches pouches that are used in Mission’s sevas. Alongside this, she runs her own small business, taking stitching orders from home and earning a respectable income.


Rajashree Dhaktode


Rajashree, who trained in both the Beautician Course and the Basic Sewing Operator Course, shares how DVSDI eased one of her biggest worries:


“I can bring my child with me. That takes a huge burden off my shoulders. While he is under my care, I can still focus on learning and working.”


Rajashree too stitches pouches used in seva activities and also takes up stitching work from home, helping her gain confidence, independence, and the means to shape her family’s future.

Contribute to the Cause

Be the Light: Support Her Journey

DVSDI, in its earnest effort, seeks your generous support to uplift village women and foster rural development.


Your contribution can transform lives—help build the future of our mothers and sisters who have long been deprived of rightful opportunities. Together, our efforts and your support can spark a ripple effect, leading to equality, financial independence, and a dignified life for the women of our society.


You can make an impact by:

  • Sponsoring training expenses for women at our skill development centers.

  • Supporting distribution and marketing of their handcrafted products.

  • Promoting our products within your circle and organization.

 

Every step you take strengthens their journey toward empowerment and self-reliance.

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