By Yogesh Nerpagar, Assistant Director, CYDA, Nasik
Often, the journey of one person becomes an inspiration to many. The decisions they take not only bring hope into their own lives but also create new opportunities for others. Their path encourages people around them to dream differently and move forward. The story of Maya Ravindra Ubale from Sinner, Nashik, shows that change is possible when someone has the courage and determination to try. Today, she stands as an inspiration to the women and families in her village, proving that with opportunity and belief, transformation is within reach.
Life for 34-year-old Maya was never easy. Raising two children with a husband who earns only a daily wage always made stability feel out of reach. Having studied only until the ninth grade, her options were limited. She used to work on farms whenever work was available. Uncertainty became a constant part of her life. On days when there was no income, the family often struggled to find enough food to eat. Buying basic groceries itself was a struggle. Each day depended on whether someone called them for work, leaving the family vulnerable and anxious.
A turning point came when Maya came to know about CYDA’s Non-Traditional Livelihood (NTL) program, supported by Bajaj Finserv.The initiative aims to train women from underprivileged backgrounds in skills and jobs that are often not accessible to them. The idea sparked something in Maya. Despite hesitation, she enrolled. Soon she was part of a soft skills workshop where she learnt communication, grooming, teamwork, and workplace behaviour. These sessions changed the way she saw herself. For the first time, Maya felt she could step into a professional role with confidence.
CYDA also arranged on-the-job training in housekeeping. Wearing her uniform for the first time made her feel prepared and respected. Yet her journey was not free of hurdles. Some relatives mocked her choice, neighbours raised doubts about the dignity of housekeeping work, and even her husband questioned the decision. But Maya did not give up. She believed this was not about earning but about proving her ability to bring change.
After completing her training, Maya was placed in a housekeeping company with a monthly salary of Rs. 9,000. A steady income gave her the power to plan her children’s education, purchase essentials without borrowing. This helped her to rebuild her sense of self-worth. Slowly, her husband began to respect her effort and her children looked at her with pride.
Maya’s journey soon became visible in the community. Other women approached CYDA to learn about the program, encouraged by her success. She now shares her story at local gatherings, motivating women to step forward and claim their independence. She has shown that dignity lies not in the type of work but in the courage to make choices and change one’s future.
