Santhal Woman’s Journey from Salesgirl to Skilled Technician

In a quiet Santhal village of eastern India, the life of 29-year-old Kunta Kisku has become an inspiration for tribal girls who once saw no future beyond low-paying informal jobs. From working as a salesgirl to earning her place in an automobile workshop, Kunta’s story shows how opportunity and determination can reshape a life.

Her journey began in hardship. After her father, a daily-wage labourer, passed away early, her mother worked as a domestic helper to support the family. Kunta stepped in as a salesgirl, contributing to the household but longing for a stable and dignified career.

The turning point came at a Panchayat Bhawan meeting organized by Vikas Samities, linked with Tata Motors’ outreach programmes. There, she learned about the Mechanical Motor Vehicle training course. Despite neighbours’ scepticism about a woman working in a garage, Kunta enrolled.

The 50-day training gave her both technical skills and confidence. Afterward, she joined a Tata Authorized Service Station for on-the-job training. Today, she earns more than ever before and carries herself with pride.

“This training has changed my life. I never imagined I could work in a garage and support my family. My dream is to help train other girls like me,” Kunta said.

Her success highlights a wider shift in tribal Jharkhand, where traditional barriers are slowly giving way. For a community often caught in cycles of subsistence labour, the sight of a young Santhal woman repairing vehicles challenges both gender and economic stereotypes.

Tata Motors’ CSR head Vinod Kulkarni said her story reflects the company’s vision. “Through our community-based livelihood initiatives, we aim to equip women and youth from underserved backgrounds with tools to build a better future. Kunta’s journey is one of resilience and progress.”

Her rise also aligns with the government’s Skill India mission, which seeks to open pathways from informal labour to skilled careers for rural youth.

As she works, saves, and plans her future, Kunta’s presence in the workshop is quiet proof that empowerment is not just policy but lived change. Her dream now is to become a trainer, turning her own transformation into an inspiration for others.