From Prison to Possibility: PHDCCI Launches ‘Project Udaan’ to Transform Women Inmates into Skilled Entrepreneurs…Governor Kataria Inaugurates the Skill Centre
Amritsar: Reinforcing its commitment to social transformation through skill development, the Regional Fashion Tex- Tech Forum and Punjab State Chapter of PHDCCI, in association with Studio by Himani Arora, launched Project Udaan under the Craft Forward initiative at the PHDCCI-established Skill Development Centre in Central Jail, Amritsar.
Welcoming the dignitaries, Sh. Karan Gilhotra, Chair, Punjab State Chapter, PHDCCI, said the Skill Development Centre reflects PHDCCI’s unwavering commitment to rehabilitation through skill development. He reiterated that the Chamber aims to equip women inmates with employable skills, enhance their confidence, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities that support their successful reintegration into society.
Delivering the theme address, Ms. Himani Arora, Chair, Regional Fashion Tex-Tech Forum, PHDCCI, who is spearheading Project Udaan, outlined the vision behind the initiative. She announced that Studio by Himani Arora will provide structured training in stitching, embroidery, textile crafts, and contemporary fashion techniques aligned with evolving market trends.
She emphasized that true empowerment comes not merely from teaching a skill but from enabling women to build a dignified livelihood through creativity and entrepreneurship. She said every handcrafted product created under Project Udaan will represent a story of resilience, hope, and transformation. The initiative is designed to nurture confidence, encourage self-expression, and prepare the women inmates to become financially independent after their release, enabling them to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose. She further expressed confidence that Project Udaan would evolve into a scalable model of social entrepreneurship, demonstrating how industry-led partnerships can create lasting impact by transforming lives through skill, creativity, and opportunity.
The programme was graced by Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab, as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, the Governor lauded PHDCCI and its Regional Fashion Tex & Tech Forum for launching an impactful initiative focused on empowering women inmates through skill development. He emphasized that rehabilitation through education, vocational training, and the dignity of labour is essential for building an inclusive society and called for stronger collaboration between industry and government to create sustainable opportunities for social transformation.
On the occasion, the Hon’ble Governor inaugurated the PHDCCI Skill Development centre and distributed sewing machines to the Centre and interacted with the women inmates, encouraging them to make the most of the training opportunities and build brighter, self-reliant futures.
The event was attended by Sh. Vivek Pratap Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab; Shri Rajiv Kumar Arora, Superintendent, Central Jail, Amritsar, CA Jaideep Singh, Convener, Amritsar Zone, PHDCCI; Mr Nipun Aggarwal, Co- Convener, Amritsar Zone, PHDCCI and Mr. Sumit Kumar, Assistant Secretary, PHDCCI.
The formal vote of thanks was delivered by Shri S. S. Mann, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Prisons, Amritsar Circle, who appreciated the collaborative efforts of PHDCCI and its partners in empowering women inmates through skill development and rehabilitation. He expressed confidence that Project Udaan would create lasting opportunities for self-reliance and successful reintegration into society.
Around 200 women inmates enthusiastically participated in the launch of Project Udaan, embracing the initiative as a pathway towards acquiring new skills, rebuilding confidence, and creating a better future.
