Jaipur. A six-day intensive training program titled ‘Atmanirbhar Dhaage’ was successfully organized from April 1 to 6, 2026, under the joint aegis of the Rajasthan Grameen Aajeevika Vikas Parishad (Rajeevika) and Kamla Poddar Institute (KPG) / NIF Global Jaipur. Around 35 women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) enthusiastically participated in the program, which concluded with a grand fashion showcase at the KPG campus, highlighting their creativity, craftsmanship and entrepreneurial potential.
During the training, participants received hands-on exposure to both traditional and modern design techniques. Expert trainers and students from KPG mentored the women throughout the program. The participants created a range of products including tie-and-dye sarees, contemporary garments with flowy silhouettes, intricately designed appliqué dupattas, and quilted bags. These products reflected a beautiful blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern aesthetics.
The grand finale fashion show served as a powerful platform to present the outcomes of the training. Each creation showcased the enhanced skills of the participants and their understanding of sustainable design. The event demonstrated how traditional art can be reimagined to meet the demands of modern markets.
The occasion was graced by Rajeevika Project Director Preeti Singh, KPG Director Abhishek Poddar, Roma Poddar, and Rajeevika State Project Manager (Non-Farm Livelihood) Dr. Ramanika Kaur, who encouraged the participants and appreciated their efforts.
This initiative was conducted under Rajeevika’s Unnati Cell, aimed at strengthening non-farm livelihoods of SHG women. It focuses on improving branding, packaging and design, along with providing better market access and exposure opportunities. The initiative also promotes collaboration between industry, academic institutions and SHG members, enabling them to align their skills with market requirements. Rajeevika aims to bridge the gap between rural artisans and modern markets through such strategic partnerships, helping women build sustainable and scalable enterprises.
For the past 27 years, Kamla Poddar Institute / NIF Global Jaipur has been dedicated to design education and artisan empowerment, consistently working towards nurturing creative talent and preserving traditional crafts. Programs like ‘Atmanirbhar Dhaage’ reflect this commitment by equipping artisans with industry-relevant skills and platforms to transform their learning into sustainable livelihood opportunities.
At the conclusion of the program, Director Abhishek Poddar and Roma Poddar appreciated the collective efforts of the Rajeevika and KPG teams, describing the initiative as a strong and inspiring step towards empowering SHG women and promoting self-reliance.