Tauseef Ahmad
Bandipora, July 18:- In a commendable initiative aimed at empowering the women of Gurez Valley, along the Line of Control (LOC) the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Healing Touch Foundation, an NGO dedicated to improving the quality of life in the remote areas of the valley, has established a skill development center. This center focuses on providing vocational training, enabling the women of Kanzalwan area in Bandipora district to live a livelihood through detergent making.
One of the beneficiaries of this one-of-its-kind initiative shared her experience: “Previously, we were confined to household chores, but now, with the Indian Army-sponsored center, we are not only earning for our families but also acquiring new skills. These skills empower us to teach other girls in our community as well.”
She further explained, “The detergent we produce under the brand name ‘Harmukh Sheen’ is distributed to various areas in the Gurez Valley, where it has received positive feedback. We aim to expand our sales to other parts of the district and the entire valley in the future.”
Another young participant expressed her gratitude, saying, “We are thankful to 36 Rashtriya Rifles for creating such opportunities for us to earn our livelihood. We hope that more opportunities like this will be created in the future, allowing us to learn and master various other skills. Our detergent is chemical-free, gentle on clothes, and competitively priced compared to other products in the market.”
This initiative by 36 Rashtriya Rifles and Healing Touch Foundation not only provides financial independence to these girls but also instills confidence and a sense of purpose. By empowering these young women with practical skills, the program fosters a culture of self-reliance and community development in the Gurez Valley. The skill development center stands as a beacon of hope, promising a brighter and more prosperous future for the women of this region.