Known globally for refining nearly 80% of the world’s rough diamonds, a city in Gujarat has earned the nickname ‘Diamond City.’ But beyond its sparkling exports, this city is also quietly shaping something just as precious—stronger, more harmonious relationships within families, especially between daughters-in-law and mothers-in-law.
For over 20 years, the Umiya Parivar Mahila Vikas Mandal (UPMVM), an initiative run by the Kadva Patidar community, has been conducting training sessions aimed at preparing young women for marriage and guiding older women on embracing their evolving roles within the family. Their mission is to reduce generational friction and foster mutual understanding.
Their latest camp, held on September 1, catered specifically to women entering the role of a mother-in-law. In these programmes, women above 35 learn how to navigate the emotional and social shifts that come with this transition, while girls aged 18 and above are prepared to start their married lives with confidence and clarity. Each year, over 400 women from all corners of India attend these sessions.
Kruti Limbani, a 25-year-old from Nashik currently living in Kalyan (Thane), shared with a national daily how the programme helped her. “Before marriage, I had a lot of doubts and fears. But after attending the camp, I felt prepared and positive. It taught me how to build healthy relationships and understand family dynamics better.”
The five-day training covers a wide spectrum: from communication skills and conflict resolution to fitness, nutrition, child care, legal awareness, and even self-defence. Subject-matter experts are brought in to offer practical guidance, equipping women for the responsibilities of family life.
There is also a one-day intensive session designed especially for women above 35. Pushpa Patel, 55, who frequently attends, spoke about its impact to the national daily: “As we age, we face new physical and emotional challenges. These changes can affect how we interact with younger family members. The training helped me approach things with a fresh perspective and more patience.”
Khushbu Patel, 34, from Ahmedabad, added that while families teach a lot, the structured approach of the camp gave her a new lens. “Learning how to stay balanced, patient, and emotionally intelligent really changed how I see family life.”
Young participants like Bhumika Patel (20), from a village near Jalgaon, have also found the sessions eye-opening. “I’m still studying, but since my parents have started discussing marriage, I wanted to be better informed. The camp taught me practical life skills—like managing sleep and still waking up early—which I hadn’t expected.”
Rashmika Patel, part of the organising committee, noted that the initiative has received heartfelt responses from participants. “We regularly hear from women who say these sessions have made a real difference in their lives. And best of all, it’s free and open to all women across the country.”
Also Read: How Ahmedabad Keeps Its Unmistakable Bond With Husain https://www.vibesofindia.com/how-ahmedabad-keeps-its-unmistakable-bond-with-husain/
