Abha Shakti Women at TPCODL receive Distinct Odia Identity

By: WE Staff | Tuesday, 9 August 2022

At an event held in Bhubaneshwar on the eve of National Handloom Day, Abha Shakti members of the Women Self Help Group (WSHG) received hand-woven Ikat sarees and specially made Dhokra badges from TP Central Odisha Distribution Ltd., a joint venture between the Government of Odisha and Tata Power.

Shri Pratap Keshari Deb, the honourable energy minister for the state of Odisha, Shri M. Shenbagam, the head of TPCODL, and other top representatives from TPCODL and Tata Power were also in attendance.

The event was organised to recognise the crucial role played by Abha Shaktis who have been trained under the Roshni (Skilling) programme of Tata Power, to become social change agents.

Through the use of digital technology and education about the customer-focused operations of electricity discoms, such as metre reading, billing, and collection (MBC) activities, the women have been given the skills necessary to support themselves. To further this initiative, the firm intends to give away more than 2000 sarees to roughly 1000 Abha Shaktis over the next few days.

Through the pride of having a uniform that also serves as a reminder of their rich handloom tradition, the project seeks to unite the SHG women. By revitalising the cultural legacy, incorporating the communities, and putting a focus on community empowerment, this programme confirms Tata Power's long-standing commitment to the state and its people. Tata Power is hoping that additional businesses will join the bigger campaign to support local handloom.

Speaking at the event, Shri Pratap Keshari Deb, Hon’ble Minister, Energy Department, Government of Odisha said, “The growth of native Self-Help Groups is crucial to the nation's development and women empowerment. I am glad that TPCODL is partnering with the Government of Odisha to foster women empowerment while promoting our heritage. This unique initiative by Tata Power and Tata Trust will set an example for Corporate India to partner with grass root communities, while embracing regional culture, leading to holistic development."

The custom-made sarees created by an up-and-coming young native designer also include cultural references like the Konark Wheel and home handicrafts utilised in rural households for Lakshmi Puja. The sarees were manufactured specifically for Abha Shakti members by regional weaver clusters in Maniabandh (Cuttack), Gopalpur (Ganjam), and Khurda, and they perfectly display the exceptional artistry of the State's native handloom weavers. With the exception of the Abha Shakti members, who will receive two saris each, over 6100 households throughout the value chain benefited directly and indirectly from the entire programme, making it a special collaborative handloom project incorporating public-private collaboration.

This handloom saree promotion initiative, which is essentially a Tata Affirmative Action project, aims to empower underserved weaver communities in the state. It is also the company's modest tribute to the larger agendas of "Make in India" and "Make in Odisha," which support the state's rich culture and heritage.

The Abha Shakti members also received handmade Dhokra art badges in addition to sarees. These badges are constructed of non-ferrous metal casting, which has been used for more than 4,000 years in India. The Abha Shaktis badges were produced by 100 local artisans working for a social enterprise.