Mission Shakti: Inaugural Event of Shwet -'AARAMBH' held at HCL Technologies Campus, Lucknow

Treading parallelly with Governments visionary initiative Mission Shakti, Safe Society on 28 October 2021,Thu organised the formal launch of "Shwet" Chikankari products made by Self-Help Group women in Lucknow. Inaugural Event of Shwet – 'AARAMBH' held at HCL Technologies Campus, IT City, Lucknow. Safe Society has been working for over last 15 years across Uttar Pradesh dedicated to elevate the women. to make women self-reliant. Safe Society with the support of HCL Foundation since 02 years has facilitated the formation of 17 SHGs in the areas of Jankipuram, Naubasta, Raipur Bitauli, Sitapur Road, Daliganj, Khadra, Kalyanpur and Raheem Nagar with a membership nearing 300 women. Through the formal launch of "Shwet", Safe Society and HCL Foundation is promoting these traditional artisans to come into current trends and to bestow reverence to classic Mughal "Tehzeeb-e-Lucknow" chikan work.

Launch was graced by eminent dignitaries-Mr. Pradeep Kumar (IAS), Special Secretary, MSME & Export Promotion, Govt. of U.P., Ms. Nidhi Pundhir, Director HCL Foundation, Mr. Rishi Kumar, VP HCL Technologies and Mr. Puneet Mishra, Deputy Director, Mahila Kalyan Vibhag, Government of U.P. and Ms. Kirti Karamachandani, Head-Government Relations, HCL Foundation.

Mr. Puneet Mishra, Deputy Director, Mahila Kalyan Vibhag praised Safe Society and HCL Foundation for its dedicated effort to bring positive change in the society. He also talked about various Government Welfare schemes and assured to do the needful on behalf of his Department.

Ms Nidhi Pundhir, Director HCL Foundation, appreciated the organisations effort to mainstream the artisans so that may not be demotivated and exploited. She also said that HCL Foundation shall provide support as they have been doing to identify, support, develop leadership and build relationships to strengthen the initiatives in favor of sustainable development.She said My E-Haat initiative which is powered by HCL Foundation will support the marketing of the products.

Mr. Pradeep Kumar (IAS), Special Secretary, MSME and Export Promotion, gave an idea how MSME can play a pivotal role in escalating the SHG initiative, He said it's a matter of recognition that Safe society and HCL Foundation has encouraged, trained and empowered women of SHG enough to bring their products in main stream market and compete with big Players. He said this initiative will not only promote Government idea of Vocal for Local but shall also put an example for others to follow.

Mr. Vaibhav Sharma, Director Safe Society thanked all the guests and audience for their presence and also told that the organisation ideates to draw the picture on a bigger canvas though coordinated efforts.