Empowering Women, Stitching a Brighter Future: NSIC and NTPC’s Collaborative Initiative in Batwara

Twenty-five women in the remote Sudur village of Batwara, Mandi district, are now equipped with the skills to become self-reliant, thanks to a collaborative effort between NTPC Coldam and the National Small Industry Corporation (NSIC) Mandi. These women recently completed a six-month, free dressmaking training program, a community development initiative supported by the Government of India.
The closing ceremony, graced by NTPC Coldam Senior Manager Anjula Aggarwal and NSIC Chief Manager Pradeep Kumar, along with Deputy Manager Purna Singh, Manager Lokesh Bhatia, and Mukesh Garg, showcased the remarkable talent the women had cultivated. An exhibition of their creations, featuring a variety of children’s and women’s clothing, drew high praise from Ms. Aggarwal, who commended the NSIC for the exceptional training and hailed it as a significant step towards women’s empowerment. Mr. Kumar echoed her sentiments, applauding the trainees’ skills and encouraging them to launch their own businesses.
To further support their journey towards self-employment, NTPC distributed sewing machines, tailoring kits, and certificates to each participant. The trainees also presented a vibrant and engaging program during the ceremony, captivating the audience.
The training has already begun to make a difference. Mr. Bhatia of NSIC shared that several women started working from home during the training, boosting their confidence and enabling them to contribute to their family’s finances. The women themselves expressed their gratitude to NSIC faculty member Priyanka, highlighting her effective teaching methods that made learning easy and prepared them to successfully run their own clothing businesses.
This initiative is part of NTPC’s broader community development efforts, with similar free training programs being conducted in other villages through NSIC Mandi. These programs are playing a crucial role in the development of these communities.
The closing ceremony was also attended by NSIC Coordinator Vinay Kumar, Somnath, Yogeshwari, Course Faculty Priyanka Sharma, Pradhan Nisha Sharma, and the participating women.