Srinagar: Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir Prof Talat
The establishment of the production center is part of the collaborative community development activity of Department of social work and EDC.
The production center is being run by local women who have been already trained in basic and advance stitching/sewing by experts of USHA international limited.
The garments produced at the production center would be displayed and showcased at various national and international events. The basic objective of the production activity is to ensure a sustainable livelihood for the women involved in the program.
Earlier Prof Talat Ahmad in his inaugural address expressed excitement regarding the establishment of USHA Production Centre in the University campus. “ It’s a moment of pleasure to be part of such event. This is a good step to empower our women. University does not only play a role in educating its students but we can also do something for the society at large as part of our institutional social responsibility.”
While appreciating the participants Prof Talat said “ Our students are talented and can deliver their best at any level. I hope all our participants will learn a lot in the 10 day advanced training programme at Delhi.”
Dr. Priya Somaiya, Executive Director – USHA International presented the vision and objectives of such programs and ensured full support and cooperation to the university of Kashmir from USHA. She informed the audience that the collaborative activity of USHA and University pf Kashmir has been selected by Harvard Business Review as a case study.
“ We have 17,000 Sewing schools throughout India and twenty in Jammu and Kashmir. The initial products from other clusters were displayed at Lakme fashion week and has been appreciated by both national and international designers. Our samples have been approved by Rohit Bahl who is internationally famous designer and all our garments will be showcased in Lakme fashion week Bombay on 30th January. We have a 10 day advanced training programme for the participants in Delhi. Our aim is to involve more and more girls in programme.
Prof G M Bhat, Dean School of engineering and Head, EDC University of Kashmir welcomed participants and guests. In his welcome address Prof Bhat highlighted the importance and utility of skill development for women empowerment. He also highlighted the involvement of EDC in developing the earning capacities of the women by developing their entrepreneurship skills.
Dr. Shazia Manzoor, Coordinator Department of Social work spoke about the importance of such activities and highlighted the departments role in community outreach programs in light of the professional mandate of the social work discipline
The book cum syllabus titled ‘ Advanced Level Training Guide’ by USHA Sewing school was also released on the occasion.
Later there was an interaction session between Vice Chancellor Prof Talat and participants.
The programme was conducted by Dr. Wakar Amin, Assistant Professor Department of social work, KUand was attended by all the faculty members of the department of social work and staff of EDC, KU. The programme was also attended by Mr Ajai Kumar, Senior Manager USHA along with his team.