HIRD Director Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan Inspires Women to Embrace New Self-Employment Opportunities

Karnal, March 21, 2026: Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are emerging as the backbone of the rural economy and the foundation of women's empowerment. The manner in which women are working—in an organized fashion and with such diligence and dedication—serves as an inspiration not only to their families but to society as a whole. These views were expressed by Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan, Director of the Haryana Institute of Rural Development (HIRD), while addressing the women as the Chief Guest at the Annual General Meeting of the 'Nai Lahar' Women's Cluster Level Federation, held at the Block Development and Panchayat Office in Assandh.

The objective of this program was to empower women associated with Self-Help Groups, encourage their initiatives, and guide them further along the path toward self-reliance. Dr. Chauhan was accorded a warm welcome with the presentation of a floral bouquet by Block Program Manager Ompal Singh and the women members of the Self-Help Groups.

Commending the women of the groups, Dr. Chauhan remarked that small, collective efforts eventually transform into significant change, and today, Self-Help Groups stand as a living testament to this fact. He encouraged the women to expand the scope of their activities, explore and adopt new avenues for self-employment, and strive to become economically self-reliant.

HIRD Director Dr. Chauhan urged the women to recognize the value of time, organize their plans effectively, and maintain consistency in their efforts. He stated that when women become conscious of their rights and duties, positive change within society begins to manifest spontaneously.

Specifically encouraging the women to scale up their operations and seize new self-employment opportunities, Dr. Chauhan cited examples such as 'Lijjat Papad'—through which women have carved a distinct identity for themselves across the nation—and the women of Kerala, who are similarly bringing renown to their state, both domestically and internationally, through their various products. He emphasized that if women work together in an organized manner, they can achieve success in any field they choose.

Block Program Manager Ompal Singh stated that the primary objective of the Haryana State Rural Livelihoods Mission is to economically empower women and guide them forward on the path toward self-reliance. He said that through Self-Help Groups, women are being provided with training, financial assistance, and marketing opportunities, enabling them to make better use of their skills.

In conclusion, Dr. Chauhan extended his greetings on World Forestry Day and conveyed a message of environmental conservation by planting a sapling.

Present on the occasion were Panch Rinkle Rana and Subhash; Poonam Rani Chochra, President of the 'Nai Lahar' Federation; Babita Salvan, President of the 'Nai Disha' Federation; along with Pinky, Urmila, Reena, Seema, Priyanka, Sonia, Kavita, Suman, Renu, Chandra Mohan, and other dignitaries and women.