I am Usha Majithia, a trainer, a counsellor and an activist. My vision is to help women become empowered and independent. Here is my journey towards achieving my vision:

Education:

As my father was a judge, he got transferred to many places in Maharashtra. Hence, I completed my secondary education in nine different schools and my Bachelor of Arts in English and Marathi subjects from three different universities. Later, I also completed my Bachelor of Law and C.A.I.I.B. (Certified Associate of Indian Institute of Bankers) while working at the State Bank of India. I also pursued a Diploma in Psychology from IICP Pune, an institution affiliated with Houston University (USA).

Career as a Banker:

After completing graduation, I started my career as a typist in the High Court. Later, I joined as a stenographer in a private firm, an assistant in New India Assurance Company, and a clerk at Union Bank of India.

I started working at the State Bank of India in 1981. While working in Jawhar (a branch in a remote tribal area) as a branch manager, I adopted a village named Vadoli and revived 198 Self Help Groups (SHG). I also created a farmers club with the help of the National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). During my posting as a branch manager of the Dombivali (West) branch, the branch showed excellent growth in business. I also worked hard on the Kasturi Plaza branch, which was in a loss, back to profit. I had an amazing 34 years working with the State bank of India before retiring as a branch manager in 2014.

Later, I worked as the Head of Marketing department of the Dombivli Nagari Sahakari Bank Ltd. where we ran an auto loan campaign and generated business worth Rs. 22 Crore in two days.

Social Work:

I wanted to work towards my vision while still working as a banker, so I joined Victoria Memorial School at Tardeo, Mumbai as a social worker. I recited Gita to blind students and explained the meaning behind the verses, which were translated into Braille by the students. I also read subject matters of law and physiotherapy for the students which were recorded in cassettes for studying.

During this time, I also started working with the National Association for Blind (NAB) and had the opportunity to work with Mr Vijay Merchant, the highly acclaimed businessman, social worker and cricket commentator. Post my office hours and on holidays, I volunteered at a lot of eye care camps hosted by NAB at various places including Dharavi.

Counselling:

In 1999, I joined many NGOs working for women's empowerment viz. Parivartan, Dynadeep Jagruti Manch, Stri Mukti Sanghtana, Bhartiya Stri Shakti Sanghatana, Mahila Mahasangh, Matrumandir etc. There I handled violence, rape and divorce cases and also conduct pre and post-divorce counselling. I organise lectures, workshops, and seminars for women and girls to create awareness about health, superstitions, social and political awareness, asset creation, and self-defence. I also write articles in magazines and newspapers, conduct radio interviews, television interviews, Facebook Live, Google and Zoom meets, live lectures, roadshows etc., to make them aware about current topics.

I provide psychological, legal, financial and day-to-day challenges counselling to women for empowering them in becoming independent.

Yoga Training:

I am a certified yoga instructor. I conduct yoga sessions for healing people suffering from diabetes, stress, pain etc. The method I use is unique according to patients' needs and works at their pace to improve their health. Now, I have more than 200 successful cases that have healed completely.