The SCNs in Kakkavayal, through Prathiksha, are striving to deepen their roots in service to the people. With a vision to take its mission to greater heights and under the guidance of Sister Mary Margaret Nirmala, Sister Joicy Joy and the entire Prathiksha team undertook an exposure visit to Arachana Women’s Centre, Ettumanoor, from May 27-29, 2026.
The team was warmly welcomed and hosted by Sister Manisha Azhakath, SCN, who is currently serving at the center. She thoughtfully coordinated all the activities and ensured a comfortable and enriching stay for the visitors.
Arachana is a pioneering institution dedicated to the empowerment of women. This exposure visit deepened the team’s understanding and broadened its vision of women’s empowerment. One of the most inspiring experiences was witnessing how Arachana enables women to become self-reliant and confident. Its three-story building, constructed entirely by women, stands as a remarkable monument to women’s strength, capability and determination. It is living proof that when women are provided with opportunities and space to grow, they can achieve extraordinary things.
During the visit, Sister Joicy and her staff traveled through various regions of Kottayam and participated in meetings with Arachana’s Community Action Groups (CAGs). They interacted with women who are leading both individual and group initiatives that promote financial stability, self-worth and social empowerment. The team witnessed women working with remarkable confidence and skill in diverse fields such as tailoring, handicrafts, production units, poultry and goat rearing, mushroom cultivation, organic farming, spare parts shops, textiles, hair oil production, tea shops, beauty parlors, masonry, carpentry, welding, and cement brick and interlock manufacturing units. These enterprises have become powerful avenues through which women build sustainable livelihoods and strong support systems for their families and communities.
A special highlight of the visit was meeting Ms. Thresiamma Mathew, the visionary leader behind Arachana. Her enduring passion, simplicity, humility and determination continue to inspire thousands of women to face life with dignity, courage and hope. She graciously spent valuable time with the team, rekindling their commitment to grassroots service and social transformation.
The sisters and staff felt that Arachana is a living model of genuine empowerment. It provides women with opportunities to learn, collaborate and achieve financial independence while nurturing knowledge, creativity, leadership and compassion. The three-day journey refreshed and united the team, strengthening their commitment to grassroots-level service and broadening their vision for working among the women of Wayanad.
The sisters express their gratitude to Ms. Thresiamma Mathew, Sister Regi MMS, Sister Manisha SCN, and all the staff members of Arachana for their warm hospitality, encouragement and inspiration. Their guidance has given the team renewed courage to discover creative and meaningful ways of reaching out to women and accompanying them on their journey toward empowerment and dignity.