Snehsparsh: Japabai Massage Training for Tribal Women
Reviving a culturally rooted and skill-based livelihood, BGM Foundation launched “Snehsparsh,” a traditional Japabai massage training program for tribal women in Palghar. Japabai massage, long practised in tribal health systems for postnatal care and physical wellness, had seen a decline due to lack of recognition and formal training platforms.
Through a 15-day training program conducted in partnership with Govardhan Skill Centre, 25 women were trained in anatomy basics, therapeutic massage techniques, hygiene practices, and client care. Sessions were led by experienced local therapists and certified physiotherapists, blending indigenous knowledge with modern wellness approaches.
Post-training, participants expressed readiness to offer services within their communities, either from home or through linkages with local clinics. The program not only opened up income-generating avenues but also restored dignity to a traditional healing art that had long been practised informally.
BGM Foundation now plans to formalise Japabai training under national skill development frameworks. Future efforts include certification, promotion through wellness fairs, SHG formation, and collaborations with maternity centres and elder-care homes. The project has demonstrated how cultural heritage can be transformed into dignified livelihoods with the right ecosystem support.