The convocation ceremony of Asma Hussain Institute of Fashion Technology, Lucknow, was held at the Raj Bhavan today under the esteemed chairmanship of Governor Hon’ble Anandiben Patel. The event marked a significant milestone for the institute, as it distributed free sewing machines and certificates to 19 women and girls who had undergone skill development training in chikankari and dressmaking. These women, residing at Raj Bhavan, were the proud recipients of this training. The ceremony also featured an exhibition of handmade products, which was inaugurated by the Governor herself. The beautifully crafted items on display were a testament to the hard work and dedication of the trainees, highlighting the importance of preserving traditional crafts while empowering women through vocational training.
Governor Hon’ble Anandiben Patel congratulated all the recipients of degrees, diplomas, and certificates at the convocation, expressing her joy at the successful completion of their training. She emphasized the importance of willpower and determination in achieving success and remarked on the lasting value of the certificates they received. The Governor highlighted that such training programs are crucial for providing women with employment opportunities and income generation, which in turn, contributes to their self-reliance. She urged the trained women to utilize their skills to start their own ventures, thereby becoming financially independent and contributing to the economy.
The Governor also praised the handmade products showcased at the event, recognizing the immense effort that goes into creating such exquisite pieces. She stressed the need for government support for initiatives like these, which not only preserve traditional crafts but also empower women. The Governor encouraged the trained women to take full advantage of their training by starting their own businesses, thus becoming self-sufficient and contributing to society. Her words resonated with the broader goal of these programs, which is to uplift women by providing them with the tools and confidence to succeed in their chosen fields.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Cabinet Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Rakesh Sachan, who extended his congratulations to all the trainees. He spoke about the significant impact such training programs have on women’s economic security, which in turn enhances their social security. Highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting local artisans, he mentioned that handicraft products under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative are gaining national recognition, with the Prime Minister promoting this scheme across the country. Mr. Sachan also noted that entrepreneurs from across the nation are increasingly looking towards Uttar Pradesh as a hub for business, positioning the state as a leader in entrepreneurship. The event also saw the presence of several key officials, including Dr. Sudhir Mahadev Bobde, Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor, and Pranjal Yadav, Secretary of the MSME Department, among others.
