• Over 600 women participate in empowerment-focused event
Ambikapur/Udaipur (Chhattisgarh): Marking International Women’s Day, a day-long programme highlighting women’s leadership, self-reliance and social participation was organised in the Parsa region of Surguja district. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 600 women representing villages including Parsa, Salhi, Basen, Tara, Shivnagar and Ghatbarra.
The programme was organised by the Adani Foundation in collaboration with the Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited with the objective of strengthening women’s confidence and spreading awareness about education, healthcare, skill development and livelihood opportunities available through institutional initiatives. The event also provided a platform to showcase the talents and achievements of local women.
Employment and training opportunities for women
In the Parsa area, a Women Entrepreneur Multipurpose Cooperative Society, supported by the Adani Foundation, has been actively promoting income-generation and entrepreneurship among rural women. Under this initiative, several livelihood units have been established, including mushroom cultivation, dairy production, phenyl manufacturing, spice processing and vermicompost production. These initiatives are enabling women to move steadily towards economic independence.
Programme begins with stall visits
The event began with the welcome of participants and a visit by guests to stalls set up by various self-help groups displaying locally produced items and activities. Reflecting the traditional culture of the Surguja region, the Grand Suva Team presented an engaging performance of the traditional Suva dance.
The formal inauguration followed with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp on stage and the singing of the Chhattisgarh State Song. To symbolise women’s participation and celebration of the day, a ceremonial cake was cut, which was joined by women from the community.
Ramp walk and cultural performances attract attention
The cultural segment of the programme featured Kathak dance, Suva dance performances, inter-village dance competitions, a play based on women empowerment, and a ramp walk highlighting cultural themes from different Indian states.
In the dance competition, Salhi village secured the first position. Teams from Tara, Basen, Parsa, Shivnagar and Ghatbarra also impressed the audience with their performances, making the programme lively and engaging.
Positive impact of foundation’s initiatives: CDPO
The programme was attended by several public representatives and officials including District Development Committee member Raymunia Singh Kariyam, Parsa Sarpanch Tulsi Uike, Basen Sarpanch Rameshwari Porte, Tara Sarpanch Sampatiya Singh, Salhi Sarpanch Kaleshwari Korram, and CDPO Dayamani Kujur from the ICDS department in Udaipur.
Others present included Raj Kumar Chandra, Principal of Government High School Parsa, Veni Madhav Jaiswal, Vice-Principal of High School Tara, Munshi Prasad, Deputy Sarpanch of Salhi, Dinesh Yadav, Deputy Sarpanch of Ghatbarra, Suchita Tirkey, Deputy Sarpanch of Basen, and Umashankar Yadav, Deputy Sarpanch of Parsa.
Addressing the gathering, CDPO Dayamani Kujur said the initiatives undertaken by the Adani Foundation to support women’s welfare and livelihood enhancement are creating a positive impact on local communities.
Distribution of equipment and scholarships
As part of its social outreach initiatives, 500 weighing machines and 300 floor mats were distributed to Anganwadi centres across Surguja and Surajpur districts. The distribution was carried out based on official recommendations from Anganwadi centres in Udaipur and Premnagar blocks.
The programme also included the award of scholarships to five students, while the top three meritorious girls from Classes IX and X were presented bicycles to support their education. At the conclusion of the event, gift hampers were distributed to nearly 700 women participants.
Foundation continues development initiatives in the region
The Adani Foundation has been actively implementing development programmes across Chhattisgarh in areas such as education, healthcare, livelihood enhancement and community development. Ongoing initiatives include nutrition awareness campaigns in schools, student support programmes, health camps, vision care services, skill training for rural women, employment-oriented training for youth, community infrastructure development and capacity-building programmes for farmer groups.
These initiatives aim to strengthen rural communities and contribute to sustainable and inclusive development in the region.
