He asserted that the sewing machines were part of his ‘Stree Shakti’ initiative, aimed at empowering women, weavers, goldsmiths, and petty vendors in Mangalagiri through self-employment.

Three local women—Nancy Lynn, Susan Hart and Evelyn Santos—united over their vintage 1940s sewing machines. They’ve taken that passion and, in collaboration with the Tehkummah Public Library, are ...