Mumbai/Pune, 6 May 2022
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar today in Pune felicitated and awarded certificates to more than 150 COVID widows who have attained skill development training in trades like tailoring, beauty & wellness, and herbal product making. This program to make them self-reliant and earn a dignified living called ‘Umed Jagar’ has been launched by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) along with Symbiosis Skills University.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar said, “We firmly believe that every individual has a right to live a dignified life. COVID has created innumerable challenges in the lives of citizens, and a lot of families suffered both financially and emotionally”. He congratulated the organizers for coming together for such a noble cause and creating an opportunity for women to stand on their own feet. The Minister expressed hope that this program will grow further and reach more and more people in need of upliftment.
The event was also attended by Rajesh Patil IAS, Hon’ble Municipal Commissioner, PCMC, Dr. S B Mujumdar, Chancellor, SSPU, Dr. Swati Mujumdar, Pro Chancellor, SSPU, and Dr. Ashwini Kumar Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, SSPU.
Women of the program Umed Jagar today earn their livelihood through self help groups, small business opportunities that are brought to them by Symbiosis Skills University and selling hand made herbal products. Symbiosis Skills University also takes their products to its industry partners and students so that women earn their living. This skill training and livelihood model is evolving fast and making a very positive impact on lives of the pandemic affected families.
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PIB Pune | JPS/SC/DR
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