Rajasthan Grameen Aajeevika Vikas Parishad (Rajeevika), in collaboration with Kamla Poddar Institutes (KPG) / NIF Global Jaipur, successfully organized a six-day intensive training program titled “आत्मनिर्भर धागे” from 1st to 6th April 2026. The program engaged a batch of 35 Self-Help Group (SHG) women and culminated in a grand fashion showcase at the KPG campus, celebrating their creativity, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial potential. The training program provided SHG women with hands-on exposure to traditional and contemporary design techniques under the mentorship of expert trainers and students from KPG. Participants engaged in creating tie-and-dye sarees and garments with flowy silhouettes, along with intricately designed appliqué dupattas and quilted bags that seamlessly blended heritage craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.
The grand finale fashion show served as a platform to showcase the outcomes of this intensive training. Each product reflected the participants’ enhanced skills, creativity, and understanding of sustainable design practices, demonstrating how traditional crafts can be reimagined for modern markets. The fashion show was graced by Ms. Priti Singh, Project Director, Rajeevika; Mr. Abhishek Poddar, Director, Kamla Poddar Institute/NIF Global Jaipur; Ms. Roma Poddar, Director, Kamla Poddar Institute/NIF Global Jaipur and Dr. Ramnika Kaur, State Project Manager (Non-Farm Livelihoods), Rajeevika, whose presence encouraged and motivated the participants.
This initiative was undertaken under Rajeevika’s Unnati Cell, which is focused on strengthening non-farm livelihoods of SHG women through targeted interventions in branding, packaging, and design aesthetics, along with facilitating enhanced market access and exposure opportunities. The initiative promotes convergence between industry, academic institutions, and SHG members to build capacities aligned with market requirements. Through such strategic collaborations, Rajeevika aims to bridge the gap between grassroots artisans and contemporary markets, thereby enabling SHG women to develop sustainable and scalable enterprises. Kamla Poddar Institutes / NIF Global Jaipur, with over 27 years of commitment to design education and artisan empowerment, has consistently worked towards nurturing creative talent and preserving traditional crafts. Programs like “आत्मनिर्भर धागे” reflect their dedication to providing industry-relevant skills, mentorship, and platforms for artisans to translate their learning into viable livelihood opportunities.
