🛠️ Building a Better Future
In today's rapidly evolving, technology-driven world, employability requires more than technical knowledge.
Young people need digital literacy, communication skills, workplace readiness and the confidence to adapt to emerging opportunities. For thousands of underprivileged youth in Odisha, however, access to quality skill training remains a significant barrier to securing dignified employment.
Recognising this need, Ruchika launched its Skill Development Programme in 1990 to empower disadvantaged youth and women with industry-relevant skills, enabling them to achieve economic independence and build a better future. Today, the organisation operates five Skill Development Centres, preparing young people for meaningful careers through market-driven training and placement support.
💡 Our Initiatives
SMART Skills Training
Supported by the Tech Mahindra Foundation, the SMART Skills Programme equips young people aged 18–25 years with essential workplace competencies, including Basic Information Technology, Communicative English, Workplace Readiness and sector-specific skills such as Customer Relationship Management, Retail Sales and Office Administration.
The programme also provides career counselling, placement assistance and post-placement support, helping youth transition successfully into the workforce.
Skills for Inclusion
Ruchika is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind. With support from the Tech Mahindra Foundation, the organisation provides Beauty and Wellness training to transgender youth, enabling them to access dignified employment, sustainable livelihoods and greater social inclusion.
Innovation in Skill Education
In a pioneering initiative for Odisha, Ruchika signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nimapada Autonomous College in Puri district to establish a Skill Development Centre within a college campus. This innovative model integrates vocational education with higher education, creating new pathways for students to become job-ready while pursuing their academic aspirations.
Livelihood Skills for Vulnerable Youth
To enhance employment opportunities for young people from urban slums and economically disadvantaged communities, Ruchika also offers practical vocational courses such as Cutting and Tailoring and Industrial Sewing Machine Operation, along with placement and rehabilitation support. This initiative is generously supported by Scott Bader Middle East.
At Ruchika, skill development is more than vocational training—it is a pathway to dignity, self-reliance and hope. Every young person who gains meaningful employment not only transforms their own life but also strengthens their family and contributes to building a more inclusive and prosperous society.
📊 Training Impact
Tech Mahindra
Tech Mahindra
Tech Mahindra
Scott Bader
Scott Bader
Ind. Donors
Scott Bader
Light House
🌟 Case Study: Sunita helps her family
Sunita Barik hails from a below poverty line family consisting of two brothers and two sisters. Her father was suffering from heart disease, rendering him unable to work and contribute to the family’s income. Consequently, her mother took on the responsibility of small farming to ensure the family’s livelihood.
Suddenly, her father passed away, making it extremely difficult for her mother to support the children. At this moment, Sunita learned about Ruchika's SMART Skill program and joined the training. After four months of training, she joined as a Sales Executive at Bakers Boutique and presently earns ₹10,000/- per month.
Now she is happily supporting her family and helping her younger brother and sister continue their studies.