The charm of Kashmir's picturesque lakes, snow-capped mountains, and lush forests is matched by the richness of its cultural heritage. From handicrafts to the exquisite pashminas, the valley boasts a rich history of arts and crafts passed on through generations and yet the state and its craftsmen are yet to realise their full potential. In an attempt to tap into this immense pool of talent, in the year 2018, the USHA Silai Label set up a garment design and production cluster in Kashmir.
Kashmir known for its scenic beauty was once on every travellers' bucket list. For long tourism was the main source of employment for Kashmiris. But decades of strife have impacted not just tourist inflow but also ruined its once flourishing handicrafts business like wood carving and handloom sector.
To rediscover the hidden talent among Kashmiris, especially women, in the year 2018, the USHA Silai School set up a garment design and production cluster in Kashmir. The objective was to select few deserving contenders to work on the fashion line - Silai Label to be showcased at Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai.
Women from different walks of life came to the assessment session with their work samples to showcase their talent and skills. USHA organised an assessment session in the tranquil premises of the Kashmir University with Virendra (trainer) and Shruti (IMG Reliance Pvt Ltd, that organises Lakme Fashion Week).
Kushalta Ke Kadam, an initiative by NDTV and USHA, aims at empowering women from rural India and encourages them to become entrepreneurs by taking up sewing and training others in their respective communities. Since 2011 Usha Silai Campaign has trained more than 3.95 lakh rural women within five years, with 17,000 Silai schools, spanning over 9272 Indian villages in India.
Kushalta Ke Kadam in Season 4 has returned with new goals and vision. The new season will witness the establishment of the new cluster in Kashmir, apart from the existing four clusters setup last year. The women from volatile Kashmir will work with well-known fashion designer Rohit Bal and get an unique opportunity to learn from him and make clothes for him. The work done by the Silai School women will be presented at Lakme Fashion week 2019.
With an aim to promote sustainable living, USHA Silai School program has joined hands with institutions working on environmental issues
USHA Silai School is helping the survivors of rape and trafficking carve out their own destinies through stitching and sewing
As part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Public Sector Undertakings like Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) and National Building Construction Corporation Limited (NBCC) have collaborated with USHA International Limited to set up Silai Schools around the mining area in Dhanbad and steel plant in Rourkela
With an aim to help students and women in Kashmir and Punjab fulfil their dream of a better future, USHA has collaborated with educational institutions for setting up new Silai Schools
In the current season of Kushalta Ke Kadam, autonomous government bodies like the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) partnered with USHA Silai Schools to provide skill development and livelihood opportunities to women
USHA SIlai School initiative, in partnership with state governments of Meghalaya and West Bengal, is empowering women by helping them learn various techniques of stitching
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