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Time of India
5 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Kashi women craft 4.76L national flags for I-Day
1 2 Varanasi: As the nation gears up to celebrate Independence Day on Aug 15, Kashi, known for its spiritual heritage, has intensified preparations for celebration of the day on a grand scale. In a significant drive under the Uttar Pradesh govt's Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, more than 2,600 women from self-help groups (SHGs) are making over 4.76 lakh national flags to be delivered to houses ahead of Aug 15. The initiative, blending national service with women's empowerment, has engaged women from both rural and urban areas. Chief Development Officer Himanshu Nagpal said that around 2,000 women from over 400 SHGs associated with the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) are making 2.25 lakh flags, earning an average of Rs 3,000-Rs4,000. In addition, 680 women from 68 SHGs linked to the District Urban Development Agency (DUDA) are producing 2,51,500 flags. Radha of Ramdih village in Sevapuri block expressed pride in her contribution, saying, "When the tricolour waves on every house on Aug 15, it will carry the essence of our hard work and patriotism." Munni Devi of Bhorkala village described making the flag as "a service to the nation," while Lalita from Gajepur called it "a symbol of devotion to Mother India." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Officials said the campaign not only strengthens public participation in Independence Day celebrations but also provides a livelihood boost to women, encouraging self-reliance. Each flag, carefully stitched and assembled, reflects the dedication and spirit of those who made it. Through this effort, Kashi's women are contributing to the celebration of freedom while taking firm steps towards economic empowerment. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.


Time of India
6 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
To boost small scale units, ‘Sookshm Udyam Sakhis' appointed in Prayagraj
Prayagraj: To promote women entrepreneurship and make rural women self-reliant, 368 'Sookshm Udyam Sakhis' are being appointed in Prayagraj district under the state rural livelihood mission. These 'Sakhis will connect with women associated with self-help groups in rural areas to generate and create employment. Deputy commissioner of Livelihood Mission, Prayagraj, Ashok Kumar Gupta said, "As many as 368 Sookshm Udhyam Sakhis have been selected in the district and they will be imparted training." These women 'Sakhis' will be appointed in clusters. Currently, there are 92 clusters of groups in the district comprising all the Self Help Groups (SHGs). Four 'Sookshm Udhyam Sakhis' will be deployed in each cluster. It may be noted that under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), more than 25,000 self-help groups have been formed in 1,540 villages of the Prayagraj district. These SHGs also get financial help for self-employment. Under the mission itself, these Sakhis will connect to 18,400 rural-based women of the district for employment. "Each Sakhi will play an important role in connecting and guiding about 50 other women for self-employment," said the official. Gupta, meanwhile, said, "Technical support will also be provided to the Sakhis. They will also get an honorarium of Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,000. Along with this, travel, mobile, and other expenses will be given separately. " Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.


Hans India
3 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Jaunpur's women SHGs power ‘Har Ghar Tiranga' with 7 lakh handmade flags
With Independence Day around the corner, women from rural self-help groups (SHGs) in Jaunpur are playing a pivotal role in the nationwide 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign. Under the centrally sponsored National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), 68 SHGs have taken on the responsibility of stitching national flags for the government's mass flag-hoisting drive, scheduled for August 13–15. The district has been tasked with producing an impressive seven lakh (700,000) flags, a target being met by around 350 women spread across all blocks. Each woman is earning ₹20 per flag, with materials—cotton or polyester fabric—supplied directly by NRLM. The flags are being produced in three standard sizes to meet official specifications. Jitendra Pratap Singh, Deputy Commissioner for Self-Employment, said production is on track. 'We've already completed around 80% of the work, and the remaining 20% will be done in the next two days. Women are working round the clock to ensure timely delivery.' To keep the process on schedule, Block Mission Managers (BMMs) are monitoring operations and submitting daily progress reports. The campaign gathered momentum after a directive from the Chief Secretary, mobilising the district's administrative machinery to support SHGs in meeting their ambitious goal. For many participants, the effort carries deep personal meaning. 'This campaign is not just about making flags,' said Sangeeta Kala, a SHG member. 'It's a matter of pride and empowerment for us. We are contributing to the nation and earning at the same time.' The 'Har Ghar Tiranga' initiative, now in its third year, aims to encourage citizens to hoist the national flag at their homes, fostering a sense of unity and patriotism. As India prepares to celebrate its 78th Independence Day, Jaunpur's SHG women are ensuring that homes across the district will proudly display the tricolour—handmade with skill, dedication, and national pride. By combining livelihood opportunities with a patriotic cause, the initiative is not only strengthening the local economy but also weaving a powerful message of self-reliance and collective celebration.


Indian Express
05-08-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
‘Handmade, homemade': Here come rakhis from SHG sisters of Himachal
It is a rakhi bond beyond boundaries. When Union Minister for Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the 'HimIra Rakshabandhan gift boxes' during the Performance Review Committee meeting of the Department of Rural Development, Ministry of Rural Development, in New Delhi last month, Radhika Sharma and her team of Didis — Seema Sharma and Madhu Kanwar — sitting in Shimla were the happiest lot. 'Our rakhis were launched at the national level. Our joy knew no bounds,' says Radhika, 25, a young professional working with the HP State Rural Livelihood Mission under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). The news brought hope for Madhu, 31, a member of self-help group (SHG) working with NRLM. 'Ab hamari rakhi door tak jayegi (Now our rakhi will go to far-off places),' she says. Seema, 43, another SHG member, is equally elated: 'Ab hamari rakhi kai gharon mein hogi (Now our rakhi will be in many houses).' Their rakhis have already been shipped to many places like Faridkot (Punjab), Faridabad (Haryana), Noida (Uttar Pradesh), Gautam Buddha Nagar (Uttar Pradesh), Gurgaon (Haryana), Delhi and Chennai (Tamil Nadu) via an initiative of the Himachal Pradesh government, according to the official figures. 'We have provided an e-commerce platform for women working with self-help groups in rural areas. We are procuring and promoting their products from different districts. Now they have come up with beautiful designs of rakhi, the common thread being their creativity and sensitivity,' says Raghav Sharma, director, HP Rural Development Department. Rakhis come in boxes containing other goodies. There are three ranges of boxes: for brother, for sister, and for bhaiya and bhabhi. 'Rakhi, rakhi card and chocolate are common to all the boxes. The other contents, mainly Himachali items, vary from box to box. The price of the rakhi box ranges from Rs 428 to Rs 2,100. We are also offering up to 25 per cent discount,' says Dr Varun Mahajan, who is from KPMG India and working with the project management unit of the HP Rural Development Department. An MA in Fine Arts, Radhika, who has designed the rakhis, explains the USP of her products: Kullu patti, the fabric used for making Kullu shawls. 'We are making three kinds of rakhis: one has a swastika on it, the other has Bhai written on it, and the third one has a flower. All of them have the Kullu patti as the basis,' she says. Both from Beolia village near Shimla, both having a daughter each, and both having made 650 rakhis each, Madhu, who has studied up to Class 12, and Seema, who has done graduation in arts, are eagerly looking forward to boosting their brother-sister bond on August 9, the day of Rakhi festival. While Seema plans to go to her maternal place in Solan where she will catch up with her three brothers on the festival, Madhu has posted her rakhi for her brother in Kumarsain town of Shimla district. 'This year, our brothers will tie our rakhis — handmade, homemade and made straight from the heart,' say the two women. The Didis maintain they will get 'more blessings from more bhaiyas' this year. 'We have woven our sisterly feelings into the rakhis which will sure get brotherly love from far and wide,' says Seema. Radhika, who is from Mandi, has customised a rakhi gift box for her brother who lives in Dubai. 'My elder brother is in the IT sector. I hope he likes what I have designed,' she says. Plans are afoot to cross more boundaries. 'The rakhi campaign is part of our bigger plan to cover the entire country. We are already selling our products in more than 20 states. Every single penny that we earn under the HimIra brand goes to women only. We intend to increase their income and widen their reach,' says Shivam Pratap Singh, CEO, HP State Rural Livelihood Mission.

South Wales Argus
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Caerleon's National Roman Legion Museum celebrates 175 years
Saturday saw the museum be taken over by a range of activities for all ages attended by gladiators and soldiers. The museum itself saw its courtyard transformed into an authentic Roman garden. A group of soldiers look over their courtyard (Image: NQ) Guests were able to immerse themselves in activities and feel like a real Roman. The smell of a makeshift kitchen wafted throughout the courtyard where guests prepared and ate their own flatbreads with dates and honey, just like a real Roman soldier, and could participate in their own feast. Gladiators patrolled the gardens, complete with armour and weaponry, ensuring that guests were enjoying themselves in the craft area. At the far end of the courtyard, guests could learn about Roman art and fashion, taking the chance to try on some roman finery and find out some more about family life at the time. A dig pit also allowed youngsters to get hands on with archaeology. Visitors from far and wide were in attendance during the day, using the sunshine as an excuse to bask in the amphitheatre and witness the gladiator's work. Children jumped at the chance to get involved, taking the gladiators on headfirst and learn the ropes of capturing and conquering their enemies. Alongside these activities, visitors could relax with games or learn circus acts. The day truly had something for everyone, whether you're a hands on energetic learner or prefer to peruse at your own pace. Gladiator fights took over the amphitheatre (Image: NRLM) Catherine Jenkins, a representative for the National Roman Legion Museum, said: 'We had 700 people register their interest to attend today. "Knowing that so many people are interested in what we do is incredible. 'We've been lucky enough to have a steady stream of these visitors across our sites through the day. 'We just hope that events like this remind people that we are here and open for business.' Alongside this weekend's anniversary party, the celebrations will continue throughout with a programme of events that will continue throughout the summer holidays and during the rest of the year.