Odisha: Shatabdi Sahu is the only female plumbing trainer in Odisha. Being one of the firsts, she is being honoured for her unique role. She is an inspiration and stands as a testament to the fact that there is no job in this world that women can’t do. She sheds light on why she chose a profession not traditionally deemed suitable for women.

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Who is Shatabdi Sahu?

Shatabdi Sahu is a resident of Odisha. Her father used to work as a postmaster and her mother is a homemaker. In the year 2012, she acquired a diploma in Civil Engineering. In 2015, she earned a BTech degree. Despite receiving job offers from various corporate companies, she chose the path of a plumber trainer.

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Choosing a different path

During the second year of her engineering studies, she became interested in plumbing while studying public health. She had a keen interest in drawing maps, and this further fuelled her enthusiasm for the field. After completing her education, she pursued a plumbing trainer course from the Water Management and Plumbing Skill Council. She received training from Skill India and embarked on her journey. Interestingly, she was the only female among 24 male peers in her field.

Inspiring students

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Shatabdi shares that during her plumbing training sessions, students often express surprise at having a female trainer, but they also show respect. She emphasizes her commitment to ensuring that each student she trains finds a suitable placement. Whenever she visits different places to offer her lessons, people still find it surprising that a woman can provide plumbing training.

Shatabdi has received recognition for her role, earning the title of the only female plumber trainer in Odisha. She has been awarded by the Skill Development Minister of the Government of India, Dharmendra Pradhan.

Training men

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Shatabdi shares that she has provided training to over 2000 men. She has also started a plumbing solution venture at her home. Initially, she found it challenging to manage a group of 40-45 boys for training. She expresses gratitude for the cooperation she received from all those who came to learn from her.

Training sessions

Shatabdi teaches students how to clear blockages, the proper technique for cutting pipes, and the installation of pipes. She also covers topics such as house leakages and provides comprehensive guidance on the technicalities of selecting materials for the construction of a house.