Governor distributes 200 sewing machines
The move will help in realizing the objective of Atmanirbhar Bharat
Guwahati, Rongili Barta- Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria attended a program ‘Srijani’ a CSR initiative by Star cement and distributed 200 sewing machines amongst the Outstanding Outgoing Trainees of the Star Usha Tailoring School, at a programme held at the NEDFi Auditorium Hall, in the city. It may be noted that for the past five years, Star Cement has been distributing free sewing machines to Outstanding Outgoing Trainees of Star Usha Tailoring School, to help them begin their journey of self-employment and contribute to the journey of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor extended his appreciation to the Star cement for its commendable initiative which aimed at enhancing society’s well-being. He emphasized that this endeavour would significantly help the nation to become self-reliant. Considering different issues which influence the process of making the nation empowered and developed, the Governor urged upon everybody to take collective responsibility in making India developed. The Governor praised the initiative taken by Star Cement to empower women by providing them training and means of livelihood. He termed this as a gesture in recognizing the vital role mothers play in their families. He also said, “In rural India, tailoring and other such household industries play an important role in ensuring livelihood for women of middle class families. Therefore, we should promote such vocations so that these women can also contribute to the economic development of the country. A sustainable source of income will create a sense of confidence, leadership and decision making among women.” Referring to Vishwakarma Yojana which Prime Minister Modi launched for marginalized sections of the society, Governor Kataria called upon all to take the advantage of the programme to become empowered and contribute to nation building. The Governor however, pointed out that lack of awareness remained a significant barrier for the people to take the benefits of the government welfare schemes. He requested Star Cement to take more such schemes to help and empower the people living at the bottom of the pyramid. The Governor also underscored the importance of the “vocal for local” motto, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that every citizen should actively contribute to making India self-reliant by supporting and promoting local products, thereby playing a crucial role in the nation’s growth. It may be mentioned that Star Usha Tailoring School, was set up five years ago by Star Cement Ltd, in collaboration with Usha International Ltd, in Chamata Pathar, Sonapur, with the aim to provide free-of-cost training to local women and young girls in designing, cutting and stitching of various kinds of garments for children, women and men, which could eventually help them become financially independent. The overall technical guidance and course curriculum was designed with the help of Usha International Ltd, while the cost of setting up the training centre, operational cost, certification etc were borne by Star Cement as a part of their CSR initiatives. The programme was attended by Chairman Star Cement Sajjan Bhajanka, Chief Operating Officer Star Cement Pradeep Purohit, Chief Manufacturing Officer Sundaram Srinivasan, CSR Head Sukanya Goswami along with a host of other dignitaries.