Kajal Pareek: Building Bridges of Opportunity Through Skill and Self-Reliance
“Do good, and good will come to you.”This simple belief guides Mrs. Kajal Pareek, Chief Trustee of Pareek Welfare Trust and Founder–Director of Mamatva Skill Training Institute in Milind Nagar, Powai, Mumbai. Since its launch in July 2016, Mamatva has grown into a platform where women learn essential skills, rediscover their confidence, and build livelihoods of their own. For Kajal, it is more than a training institute—it is a tribute to her parents’ vision of service, compassion, and empowerment.
Inspired by Values, Driven by Purpose
Kajal Pareek’s journey began with a question that kept her awake at night: Why do so many talented women lack opportunities to shine? Watching women with untapped potential but few resources moved her to create an institute where they could learn, grow, and become financially independent.
“Mamatva was born in memory of my parents, whose values shaped me,” Kajal explains. “They taught me empathy and integrity. I wanted to honor them by helping other women stand on their own feet.”
Her role models include women who turned challenges into strength—leaders like Sudha Murthy, whose humility and social commitment inspired her own path.
Milestones That Changed Lives
The founding of Mamatva was a turning point not just for Kajal, but for hundreds of women who have since passed through its doors. The institute offers training in tailoring, fashion design, jewelry making, beauty and wellness, and more. Each skill opens a door to independence.
“One of my greatest achievements has been enabling our trainees to contribute significantly to their households’ incomes—often surpassing their spouses’ earnings—and thereby uplifting their families’ standard of living,” Kajal says. “Watching them take charge of their lives and become role models in their communities—that’s the real success of Mamatva.”
Recognition has followed naturally. From receiving the Pareek Ratan Award to being honored by the IWLA, Kajal treasures every acknowledgment—but none more than the gratitude of the women whose lives have transformed. “The smiles on their faces are my true award,” she says.
Early Struggles and Hard-Earned Trust
Building Mamatva wasn’t easy. In its early days, convincing people that high-quality training could be offered at minimal fees was a challenge. Kajal and her team even went door-to-door to find students.
“Until 2022, Mamatva ran entirely on self-funding,” she recalls. “It was tough, but persistence paid off. Word-of-mouth turned skepticism into belief. Women saw that we were sincere and that this was truly for them.”
The formal registration of the Pareek Welfare Trust under The Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, 1950, with 80G tax benefit eligibility, was a key turning point. It enabled Mamatva to expand its reach, introduce new programs, and remain open to CSR partnerships for sustaining its mission.
Principles That Guide Her Work
Kajal’s core values—compassion, empathy, honesty, and empowerment through education—shape every initiative at Mamatva. She believes that when a woman becomes self-reliant, it uplifts her family and inspires future generations.
“All most women need is someone to believe in them,” Kajal says. “Helping them take that first step changes not only their lives but the lives of everyone around them. It’s a feeling beyond words—it’s divine.”
Balancing Roles with Grace
Alongside her work, Kajal has always prioritized her family. When she founded Mamatva, her children were still in school. “I worked during school hours and returned home before they did,” she recalls. “I never hired tutors—I taught them myself. My husband’s support has been invaluable. I’ve ensured that both my home and Mamatva receive the care and attention they deserve.”
This thoughtful balance has allowed her to remain present for her loved ones while staying fully committed to her mission.
Current Initiatives and Future Goals
Today, Mamatva is planning to expand into digital literacy and computer skills to meet modern needs. The institute is also forming self-help groups (SHGs), enabling trainees to collaborate, support each other, and scale their businesses collectively.
As a registered organization, Mamatva now welcomes CSR partnerships and direct donations through www.mamatva.org, with contributions eligible for tax benefits under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.
Kajal’s vision for the future is ambitious. “I want to turn Mamatva into a full-fledged vocational training hub and set up a small factory where our women can fulfill bulk orders and earn steady incomes,” she says. “Eventually, I want to take Mamatva beyond local boundaries, reaching more districts and states, helping more shakti become financially independent and respected contributors to society.”
The Heart of Her Motivation
What keeps Kajal going after nine years of tireless work? The answer is simple: the women themselves.
“Their gratitude, their courage, and their journeys from helplessness to confidence—that’s my fuel,” she explains. “Mamatva is more than an institute; it’s my extended family. The staff and trainees share a bond of love and respect, and that emotional connection inspires me every day.”
A Message to Young Women
Kajal’s advice to the next generation is as straightforward as it is powerful:
“Believe in your potential. Your background or current circumstances don’t define your future. You are Shakti—if you set your mind to something, there’s nothing you can’t achieve. Keep learning, keep growing, and never stop believing in yourself.”
Closing Thought
Kajal Pareek lives by a principle that reflects both humility and faith: “Do good, and good will come to you.” And she proudly echoes the mission of Mamatva itself:
"Every woman deserves knowledge and respect—this is Mamatva’s mission."
With compassion as her compass and action as her language, Kajal Pareek continues to transform potential into power—one woman, one skill, one dream at a time.
