Short-Term Training Programmes on Promoting Entrepreneurship among SHGs Concludes at PU

Chandigarh, April 22, 2026: University Institute of Fashion Technology and Vocational Development (UIFT & VD), Panjab University today organised valedictory function of three short-term training programmes.  
The training programmes were organised under the project titled “Promoting Entrepreneurship among SHGs(self-help groups) through Skill Development Training Programmes”, which was awarded by the Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh, to Dr Anu H. Gupta, Associate Professor, UIFT & VD.
Around 60 women from various self-help groups attended this function along with faculty members of various departments of the University and officials of the Municipal Corporation.
Prof. Prabhdip Brar, Chairperson, UIFT, welcomed the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, and participants, and appreciated the initiative aimed at empowering women through skill development and entrepreneurship.
Dr Anu H. Gupta, Principal Investigator of the project and Coordinator of the workshops, presented a detailed report on the training programmes conducted on Art of Sewing, Art of Embroidery, and Sustainable Rag Dolls. Each programme, spanning 10–15 days, had 20 women participants identified through the DAY-NULM initiative of the Municipal Corporation. She highlighted that participants designed and developed a variety of products including pouches, potlies, scrunchies, coasters, embroidery frames, tote bags, key chains, bag charms, and doll key chains. The participants gained confidence to independently create products and also learned entrepreneurial skills such as product development, pricing, marketing, selling techniques, and exhibition display.
Dr Gupta further shared that all participants expressed enthusiasm towards starting their own ventures and selling their products through fairs, shops, and online platforms, along with taking custom orders. She emphasised the need for continued training interventions integrating skill development with marketing strategies, costing, and customer handling to support sustainable entrepreneurship.
Prof. Namita Gupta, Dean Student Welfare (Women), Panjab University, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and appreciated the efforts made towards empowering women and promoting self-reliance. She further emphasised that stepping out of their homes to undergo training for self-employment is a significant achievement for SHG members, as it paves the way for self-reliance, confidence, and entrepreneurship.
Dr Vivek Trivedi, Social Development Officer, DAY-NULM, Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh, attended as Guest of Honour and highlighted the significance of such initiatives in livelihood generation and community development. Dr Trivedi encouraged women to make effective use of social media platforms for promoting and marketing their handmade products.
The event was coordinated by the trainer of these three workshops, Mr Ishdeep Singh, who ensured the smooth conduct of the programme. Faculty members were also present and appreciated the efforts and achievements of the participants. Certificates were distributed to all participants upon successful completion of the training programmes. Special awards were also presented in competitions such as potli making and embroidered key chain creation.
Participants shared their feedback, expressing gratitude and highlighting the positive impact of the training programmes on their confidence, creativity, and entrepreneurial aspirations. One of the participants and SHG member, Ms Anchal, appreciated the “Art of Sewing” training programme she attended and shared that she is now regularly showcasing her work in exhibitions provided by the Municipal Corporation and receiving orders for her products. Another participant, Ms Vandana, who is engaged in the business of bag making, highlighted that the product development process she learned during these workshops was highly professional. She shared that she can now prepare any kind of bag with greater ease and perfection. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks.