“Saksham Saheli: 8-Day Awareness and Training Programme for Community Women” Inaugurated by
Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Department of Home Science
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut
Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Department of Home Science, successfully inaugurated “Saksham Saheli: 8-Day Awareness and Training Programme for Community Women”. The programme was organised with the objective of creating awareness and enhancing the knowledge and practical skills of community women through need-based awareness and training activities. Women from Dungrawali village, Meerut, along with underprivileged women from the University campus, participated in the programme. The programme was organised under the kind guidance and support of the Prof. (Dr.) Jyoti Gaur, Head of the Department, and was coordinated by Dr. Shailja Durgapal, with active participation from the faculty members, students and non-teaching staff. Through the eight-day programme, meaningful learning opportunities and practical knowledge are being provided to community women to support their personal, social and economic empowerment. The inaugural ceremony was commenced with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp, symbolising knowledge, enlightenment and the beginning of a meaningful learning initiative. The ceremony was attended by faculty members, students, non-teaching staff and participating women from the community. On the inaugural day, two key activities were conducted: Mangodi preparation and an awareness session on menstrual hygiene. A demonstration on Mangodi preparation was conducted by Dr. Nishma Singh, through which practical knowledge related to the preparation of this traditional food product was imparted to the participating women. An awareness session on menstrual hygiene was conducted by Dr. Rashi Rastogi, during which information related to menstrual health, appropriate hygiene practices and the importance of maintaining personal hygiene was shared. Through these activities, practical and relevant knowledge related to nutrition, health and well-being was provided to the participating women. A common platform for learning, interaction and skill development was provided to women from Dungrawali village and underprivileged women from the University campus. Through this initiative, the commitment of the Department of Home Science towards community outreach and extension education was demonstrated by connecting academic knowledge with the practical needs of the community. Through the “Saksham Saheli” programme, awareness, confidence and practical skills are being promoted among the participating women. Opportunities are also being provided to the students of the Department to engage with the community and understand its needs and challenges through meaningful interaction and participation in extension activities. The inaugural programme concluded on a positive note, marking the beginning of an eight-day initiative focused on awareness, learning and empowerment. The programme is being continued with the active involvement of faculty members and students with the aim of making the initiative meaningful and beneficial for the participating women.
