Latest news with #HEPC
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
After Germany & Dubai, women artisans take Phulkari to London
After showcasing their skills in Germany and Dubai, women from Bathinda are now taking Punjab's Phulkari to the global stage in London through HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited's (HMEL) initiative. HMEL, through its social development and livelihood promotion initiatives, is empowering rural women artisans who work with Phulkari in India and abroad. In the last week of July, at the Source Fashion Exhibition held at Olympia, London, the HMEL-supported Nabha Foundation collaborated with the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) under the India Pavilion and presented a display of Punjab's Phulkari. Over 200 handcrafted products, including 45 new designs, were showcased as per the demands of the international market. These included accessories, fabric swatches and traditional embroidered borders, said HMEL in a statement. 'The exhibition stall was visited by Nidhi Mani Tripathi, Minister (Economic), High Commission of India, London; Shreeranjani Kanagavel, First Secretary (Economic); and Rangaswamy from HEPC, who encouraged the artisans. We also visited premium stores such as Harrods to gain insights into global trends and product positioning,' said Manpreet Kaur, a Phulkari trainer and artisan, who was part of this tour. Nabha Foundation's Executive Director Shubhra Singh and Manpreet represented the women artisans. At the event, they connected with over 50 UK-based designers, boutique owners, exporters, and sourcing managers. Shirts and dresses by the Phulkari artisans, furnishing products caught the attention of interior designers and niche segments such as pet lifestyle brands. The visitors also got a chance to witness the intricate details and cultural heritage of Phulkari during the live embroidery demonstrations, the HMEL said. In addition, with HMEL's support, six women artisans participated in the Venix 2025 programme at IIM Bangalore from August 1 to August 3. They received valuable insights on new product ideas such as short kurtis, shrugs, and skirts, and also explored the area of online market and emerging market trends, said HMEL authorities. For the past two years, HMEL, in collaboration with Nabha Foundation, has been working to revive Phulkari through training camps, design innovation, market access, and participation in national and international exhibitions. These efforts have integrated Phulkari into modern fashion and lifestyle. Today, over 300 women from 22 villages are associated with this initiative, becoming self-reliant, and establishing their unique identity, the HMEL statement said.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
After FAFSA hiccups, more WV students completing the financial aid application
West Virginia's Free Application for Federal Student Aid completion rate stands at 49.8%. (Getty Images) More West Virginia students are completing the college financial aid application, known as the FAFSA, following pandemic interruptions and nationwide issues with the form over the last year. According to data tracked by the National College Attainment Network, the state's Free Application for Federal Student Aid completion rate stands at 49.8%. The state now ranks 15th in the nation for students completing the FAFSA, which is up from 19th last year, according to a news release from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. Brian Weingart, senior director of financial aid at the commission, said the HEPC has worked side-by-side with schools, counselors and communities to make sure students had 'a clever path to financial aid.' HEPC credits the success to statewide partnerships. 'Whether it's through hands-on FAFSA events, real-time data tools, or text message nudges, we're meeting students where they are and helping them take that critical next step toward college. Behind every completed FAFSA is a student who's one step closer to their future,' he said. The federal government's 2024 botched rollout of the new FAFSA form prompted former Gov. Jim Justice to declare a state of emergency and suspended a requirement that college-bound high school seniors fill out the FAFSA in order to receive state financial aid, including the state's Promise Scholarship. Unlike some other states, West Virginia didn't have a statewide FAFSA mandate. Instead, the HEPC said it focused on strategic outreach and community engagement. A WV FAFSA day in February brought together more than 50 high schools and colleges. The organization also used 'TXT 4 Success,' a text message program that provides personalized guidance and nudges to help students stay on track with financial aid deadlines. 'West Virginia's success, and approach, offer a lot for other communities and states to learn from,' said Bill DeBaun, senior director at the National College Attainment Network in Washington. 'Thoughtful, coordinated efforts like these that support practitioners in districts and schools make a big difference.' West Virginia's Chancellor of Higher Education Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker added, 'We built momentum through strong partnerships with our schools and counselors, innovative tools and a shared commitment to our students' futures. I am deeply proud of our team and the many school counselors, educators, and families who have rallied around this cause. Together, we're showing what's possible when we put students first.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
