The wife’s of the Missionaries felt that the lot of the poor women had to be improved so that they contribute to a better family life. In 1820, the Missionary ladies admitted the local girls belonging to outcast communities in Boarding Schools at Nagercoil and gave them basic education and lessons in clean and healthy living and habits. They thus pioneered the education of women which was till then not available to these communities. Simultaneously, in 1821, the Missionary ladies taught these local girls embroidery, sewing, stitching, knitting and started lace industries. Slave girls often used their embroidery, knitting and lace work skills to supplement their family income. The money they got from doing such works was often used by the slave girls to buy their freedom. In later years hundreds of women were doing these on part time basis and supplemented their family income.
The lace industry and embroidery work of these persons co-ordinated by the lace industry organizations of this Diocese has been acclaimed in many parts of the world and the works have been presented in International Exhibitions. Education and self employment gave these untouchables self respect and dignity. This self respect and dignity helped these slave girls to revolt against slavery which resulted in their fight for their right to wear the upper garments which was prevented till that time. Their longing for self respect and dignity was fulfilled through a proclamation of her Highness Rani Parvathybai of Travancore state on 3rd February, 1829, permitting them to wear the upper garments.
With a desire to have Social Justice and an urge to lift the underprivileged the C.S.I. Kanyakumari Diocese runs the following Social Welfare Industries.
C.S.I. Lace & Embroidery Industry, Nagercoil
C.S.I. Embroidery Industry, Neyyoor,
C.S.I. Embroidery Industry, Marthandam.
