PRAGATI Programme Transforms Rural Business Dreams

The PRAGATI Rural Women Entrepreneurs Development Programme at Shoolini University continues to make significant strides, with participants attending their second monthly campus visit after the programme’s launch on January 28.  

The initiative, spearheaded by Payal Jindal Khanna, Deputy Head of the Centre for Leadership Coaching, and backed by Vice Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla, is dedicated to equipping rural women with essential business skills and coaching support. 

During the visit, the MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture, under the guidance of Dean Prof Somesh Sharma and Assistant Professor Devanshi Pandit, provided in-depth training on mushroom cultivation, offering participants insights into sustainable agricultural practices. Simultaneously, the School of Bioengineering and Food Technology, led by Dean Prof Dinesh Kumar, introduced the women to food processing techniques. Staff member Narendra conducted a workshop on making pickles, juices, and purées, empowering ‘sakhis’ with knowledge in value-added food production. 

Women interested in candle-making also attended an interactive session with Kritika Sharma, a faculty member and entrepreneur. She shared her expertise in the craft, helping the ‘sakhis’ broaden their business opportunities. 

A special highlight of the day was an interaction with UPES Dehradun Chancellor Dr Sunil Rai. Prof Atul Khosla introduced Dr Rai to the participants, who then encouraged the women and pledged his support for the PRAGATI programme initiative. Dr Rai emphasised, “Success is the only option for this project.” Echoing this sentiment, Shoolini University Chancellor Prof PK Khosla assured the participants that Shoolini University would extend its support through its business incubator programmes to help ‘sakhis’ transition into successful entrepreneurs. 

Payal Khanna and two student mentors visited Chhamrog village to meet a ‘sakhi’ who could not attend the session, ensuring that no participant missed out on learning opportunities. 

By the end of the day, the ‘sakhis’ expressed increased enthusiasm and confidence in tackling entrepreneurial challenges, further solidifying PRAGATI’s mission of helping rural women entrepreneurs establish their business identities. 

By day’s end, the ‘sakhis’ showed renewed enthusiasm and confidence in overcoming entrepreneurial challenges, advancing PRAGATI’s mission to support rural women entrepreneurs in establishing their business identities. 

March 20, 2025