Empowering SHGs through Skill Development at World Skill Center
Orientation Programme Launched for 12-Week Training in Cosmetology & Entrepreneurship
Bhubaneswar : In a landmark step towards women’s empowerment and economic self-reliance, the Orientation Programme for a Customized 12-Week Training Course in Cosmetology and Entrepreneurship was inaugurated today at the World Skill Center, Bhubaneswar.
This specially designed programme is tailored for members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Mission Shakti initiative, as part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the World Skill Center and the Mission Shakti Department, Government of Odisha.
The event featured inspiring keynote addresses by Smt. Rashmita Panda, IAS, Director, Directorate of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (DSDE), and CEO, Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA) & World Skill Center and Dr. Monica Priyadarshini, IAS, Director, Mission Shakti.
In her address, Dr. Priyadarshini emphasized the transformative power of skill development in helping women lead independent and dignified lives. “This training is more than just a course — it’s a launchpad for dreams, dignity, and financial independence. Become entrepreneurs, become employment creators,” she encouraged.
Echoing this vision, Smt. Panda highlighted the holistic and integrated approach of the initiative. “We are building a robust ecosystem — equipping SHG women not just with skills, but with the tools, networks, and support needed to thrive as entrepreneurs in their own districts. This initiative is aligned with the vision of creating ‘Lakhpati Didis’ and promoting greater self-dependence among women,” she stated.
The 12-week intensive course will provide hands-on training in cosmetology, beauty therapy, and salon management, complemented by essential modules on financial literacy, business planning, customer service, and entrepreneurship development. The programme aims to enable 21 SHG women from 8 districts to launch their own enterprises or secure meaningful employment in the rapidly growing beauty and wellness sector.
Key members of the World Skill Center leadership team were present on the occasion, including Shri Pinaki Patnaik, Chief Operating Officer; Dr Abinash Rout, Additional Secretary of Mission Shakti Department; Mr. Bruce Poh, Chief Skills Officer; Mr. T Thambyrajah, Principal; Mr. Jeetamitra Satpathy, Deputy Principal; Mr. Lim Lai Soon, Senior Director, School of Services and Dr Jayant Dash, Plastic Surgeon, KIMS and owner of Dasthetix— along with other senior officials and staff of the World Skill Center.
