Sunday, 11 July 2021 | PNS | Dehradun
In continuation of the observance of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrating 75 years of India’s independence – energy major ONGC launched its second handicraft project for the promotion of the country’s indigenous art works. Through a virtual meet, HR director Alka Mittal launched the project which aims to train for livelihood and boost entrepreneurship development of the Bhotiya tribe in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The project undertaken by ONGC under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is expected to kindle the love for handicraft among the lesser privileged members of the Bhotiya tribe and will cater to the livelihood needs of over 400 artisans – mostly women. It aims at promoting the Bhotiya tribe through woolen weaving craft.
Stating that the initiative is among the rare positives amidst the pandemic gloom, Mittal noted that such projects are a major factor in the economic stability of the women in the area, providing them with the freedom of standard living. She mentioned that the initiative is to protect and uplift Indian tradition and its art works. For its second handicraft project, ONGC has partnered with Sewa International. Mittal asserted that the NGO is committed to help in providing marketing support post project development. Abhishek Kumar from the Sewa association stated that the NGO, with support from ONGC, intends to provide the artisans with three ‘Ts’ – tools, training and technology.
The ONGC Foundation CEO Kiran DM and director (Exploration) RK Srivastava also expressed their views on the occasion.
