Kanpur: The Design Development Centre, Ranjit Singh Rozi Shiksha Kendra, IIT Kanpur, has organized a six-day workshop on home furnishing products, running from December 24 to 29, 2024. The workshop is designed to nurture rural women entrepreneurs by equipping them with advanced design inputs to create high-quality home furnishing products.
A diverse group of 39 participants is attending the workshop, including 29 rural women artisans from Bithoor, Baikunthpur, and Maksoodabad, alongside 10 students from Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. The women participants, already skilled in tailoring and handicrafts, aspire to leverage this training to establish their own businesses.
The event was graced by notable guests, including Mr. Sandeep Jain, Founder of Kanpur Parivartan Forum; Mrs. Babita, a renowned painter; Dr. Archana Singh, Head of the Department of Community Science, Chandra Shekhar Azad University; and Mrs. Prabha from Aadhar NGO. They motivated participants to harness this platform to develop unique designs and foster mutual learning.
The inaugural session commenced with an inspiring address by Mrs. Rita Singh, Project Executive Officer of Ranjit Singh Rozi Shiksha Kendra, IIT Kanpur. Highlighting the workshop’s objectives, she encouraged participants to take advantage of the ODOP (One District, One Product) scheme and connect with the organized sector. Mrs. Singh also announced the establishment of a desk to assist aspiring entrepreneurs in registering and accessing relevant government schemes.
Dr. Monika Thakur, Coordinator of the Design Development Centre, elaborated on the workshop curriculum, emphasizing its outcomes and the importance of collaboration.
The curriculum, curated by Surabhi Saxena, a Delhi-based home textile designer, focuses on contemporary techniques in embroidery, crochet, and patchwork. Under the guidance of expert trainers Ms. Ritika and Ms. Santoshi, the participants will collaborate to develop innovative product lines.
With a vision to empower women by enhancing their skills in home furnishing and guiding them toward independence and entrepreneurial success, the workshop began with great enthusiasm and promises a transformative experience for all involved.