The first phase of Project Pragati — a Rural Women Entrepreneurs Development Programme by Shoolini University’s Centre for Leadership Coaching and Pehal Foundation — concluded with an equipment handover ceremony at the campus on September 17 (Tuesday).
SILB President and Shoolini University Chairperson Saroj Khosla attended the event as Chief Guest, with Manorama Anand as Guest of Honour. Founder-Chancellor Prof PK Khosla, Pro Chancellor Vishal Anand, Director of Innovations & Marketing Prof Ashish Khosla, and Registrar Prof Sunil Puri also joined the ceremony. They distributed certificates and equipment to the women participants, known as ‘sakhis’, recognising their training and achievements.
Launched in November 2024, the programme aims to empower rural women through training, education, and self-reliance. Under the aegis of V-Empower, Centre for Leadership Coaching, two self-help groups from Salogra and Sanhol panchayats have been adopted. The women received training via video conferencing sessions and hands-on workshops designed to enhance skills and boost confidence.
Addressing the gathering, the Chancellor said, “We are responsible not only for academic excellence but also for the development of nearby communities. Along with women’s empowerment, Shoolini has supported farmers and agriculturists in the region by sharing knowledge and resources. The University will always stand by its community in every possible way.”
In her keynote, SILB President Saroj Khosla highlighted Shoolini’s wider vision. “When Shoolini was established, our primary goal was to be a research-oriented institution. Over time, we also felt a responsibility to contribute to society. For decades, we have adopted villages to provide educational support. This initiative is another step toward uplifting women and helping them become self-reliant,” she said.
Guest of Honour Manorama Anand joined Saroj Khosla in presenting certificates, while Pro Chancellor Vishal Anand, in his concluding remarks, urged participants to “think big, think positively, and positive change will surely follow”.
The programme also honoured women entrepreneurs from Tikar and Salogra panchayats for their active participation. Kusum Lata, Pradhan of Sanhol Panchayat, said, “It is often difficult for women to step out of their homes, but these hardworking women have shown that they can achieve remarkable things. With Shoolini’s support, more women will secure meaningful employment.”
Payal Khanna, Director of the Centre for Leadership Coaching, called Project Pragati “a strong example of academia and social organisations joining hands to drive change. By empowering women, Shoolini is strengthening not only individuals but also families and communities, contributing to holistic rural development.”
September 16, 2025