Six days online training program: “Virasat-The Heritage Model” for Traditional Cluster Development in Assam

Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA) in association with FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry) organized 6 days online training program: “Virasat-The Heritage Model” for Traditional Cluster Development from 15th March to 20th March 2021. This workshop was designed to enhance capacity of Young Workforce and Mid-age Workforce from Assam in operating sewing machines and generating self-employment.

During the inaugural Session, Dr. Madhu Parhar (Director, CEMCA), Mr. Saurabh Mishra, (Programme Officer, CEMCA), Mrs. Veena Swarup (Chair, FICCI Skill Development Task Force), Dr Roopak Vasishtha (CEO & Director General, Apparel Sector Skill Council) and Mr Sumeet Gupta, (ASG, FICCI) were present and shared their views.

During the valedictory session, Mr. Saurabh Mishra, (Programme Officer, CEMCA), Mr. Sumeet Gupta (ASG, FICCI), Mrs. Veena Swarup (Chair, FICCI Skill Development Task Force), Dr Roopak Vasishtha (CEO & Director General, Apparel Sector Skill Council), Ms. Kabita Deka, (ACS Director, Handloom & Textile, Govt Of Assam) were present and shared their views.

Dr Madhu Parhar in her speech appreciated the effort of FICCI and their team for conducting such informative training program. She also acknowledged the dedication of implementing partner Don Bosco for mobilizing participants from remote areas of Assam. She further spoke on initiatives of Indian Government on digital India and various free skilling programs being organized by Government. She also appreciated the effort of participants in this program in learning various tailoring skills and how they stitched various samples of masks, apron etc in small span of time during training program.

Dr Roopak Vasishtha presented an overview of apparel entrepreneurship ecosystem and acknowledged the effort of participants in learning various stitching skills during this 6 day online program. He also encouraged them to use online market space like whatsapp, facebook to sell their products online.

Ms. Kabita Deka in her addressing speech appreciated this unique initiative of FICCI. She invited the participants to connect with Handloom department of Assam and concerned department will support in setting up aspirants’ business.

100 participants from various parts of Assam attended this program and been certified by FICCI in association with CEMCA.

This course was tailored specifically to make an individual ready to work in Apparel Industry by using her/his expertise in operating the sewing machine to produce Apparel Products and participants learned and participated actively during the program.