Women Skill Development at Guru Ghasidas Central University gained significant momentum between 2–7 February 2026, when 17 hands-on training workshops were organized in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, empowering over 600 youth; especially women. Designed in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the vision of Developed India @ 2047, the initiative represents a powerful and replicable model of experiential learning, entrepreneurship promotion, and community engagement.
The initiative was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Atul Kothari, National Secretary, Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, New Delhi; Prof. Alok Kumar Chakrawal, Vice Chancellor, Guru Ghasidas Central University; and Prof. Nilambari Dave, Rashtriya Sanrakshak, Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas. The programme has emerged as an exemplary institutional model for integrating skill education with higher education.
Guest author: Prof. Anupama Saxena, Department of Political Science, Guru Ghasidas Central University, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh
17 Market-Oriented Skill Training Workshops
As part of Women Skill Development at Guru Ghasidas Central University, practical training was provided in 17 culturally rooted and market-oriented skill areas, including:
Manufacturing of skin care products, innovation in Bastar art, nail art, fertilizer production, kitchen gardening, best from waste, artificial tribal jewellery, handmade bags, resin art, bakery products, herbal cosmetics, gulal production, doll making, herbal formulations, bonsai cultivation, bamboo art, and pearl culture.
These skill areas were carefully selected to combine traditional knowledge systems with contemporary entrepreneurial opportunities.
Empowerment Through Experiential Learning
These workshops empowered youth and women to develop eco-friendly, sustainable and marketable skills. These workshops combined traditional knowledge with modern entrepreneurship. By acquiring these skills, participants increased their employability and creativity, felt confident to generate income through entrepreneurship, and to strengthen local economic systems.
The initiative resulted in:
- Development of confidence to start their own business
- Revival of creativity and innovation in Gen-Z
- Integration of diverse disciplines and participants
- Acquisition of soft skills – teamwork and collaboration, communication and interpersonal skills, adaptation, leadership and problem-solving.
- Apart from technical skills, the initiative enhanced mental health and emotional strength, recognizing the connection between hands-on learning and psychological development.
Special Features That Made These Workshops Unique
Several distinctive features made this workshop impactful:
- Hands-on experiential training model
- All-inclusive setup with materials and kits provided by the University
- Limited batch size (40 participants per workshop) ensuring individual attention
- Mentorship by faculty members and successful entrepreneurs
- Access to advanced laboratories and infrastructure
- Focus on eco-friendly and sustainable enterprises
Importantly, 25% of the participants; predominantly women, came from outside the university campus. This expanded the reach of skill development beyond enrolled students and strengthened university-community engagement.
These features ensured that participants received comprehensive and focused skills training in an advanced learning environment.
Result Oriented Planning and Execution
The workshops were developed through a carefully designed process, ensuring both academic and market relevance of these workshops:
- Identification of high-demand, market-oriented skills
- Need assessment among potential participants.
- Development of clear outcomes and detailed skills plan
- Selection of expert trainers and support teams
- Strategic planning of workshop kits and logistics
This ensured that the programme maintained academic rigor while remaining industry and market aligned.
Cultural And Historical Integration
The initiative was deeply linked to India’s ancient understanding of ‘skill‘, which emphasizes that proficiency is the key to success. As an ancient Sanskrit proverb says: “Kaushalam nasti kinchit karoti purusha phalati” – A person without skills cannot achieve anything.
Through workshops on traditional arts like Bastar art, bamboo crafts, doll making and herbal cosmetics, GGU not only preserved India’s heritage but also promoted sustainable livelihoods through skill-based education.
Alignment with NEP 2020 and Vision 2047
By integrating skill training and experiential learning into the academic curriculum, this university has represented an excellent example of the NEP 2020 vision of a balanced, multidisciplinary and innovation-driven education system.
By combining traditional knowledge with modern entrepreneurial aspirations, Guru Ghasidas University has paved the way towards a sustainable and inclusive developed India by 2047. In the spirit of International Women’s Day, this initiative underscores the critical role of higher education institutions in advancing women’s economic empowerment through structured skill development and entrepreneurship opportunities.
