🤝 Strengthening Women’s Empowerment: Stakeholders' Meeting under the Mpowered Project

Under the Mpowered Project, a flagship initiative of Shakti Organisation for women's empowerment, a Stakeholders' Meeting was successfully held at Shakti Office, Ramanguda Block, Odisha.

The session brought together key stakeholders, including government officials such as BPM (OLM), BAO, BVO, BHO, BM (IBO), and BM (UGB), alongside Self-Help Groups (SHGs), to explore opportunities for convergence and strategize ways to strengthen the ecosystem that uplifts women.

💡 Key Discussions & Outcomes:
✅ Strengthening partnerships for greater community impact
✅ Exploring government schemes and opportunities for SHGs
✅ Actionable strategies to promote literacy, self-reliance, and #entrepreneurship
✅ Commitment to continuous progress through multi-stakeholder collaboration

The meeting emphasized the importance of fostering collaborations, addressing challenges, and building a sustainable future for women-led initiatives. Through policy alignment, skill development, and financial inclusion, we aim to empower women as leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.

At Shakti Organisation, we remain committed to driving meaningful transformation in the lives of women. Together, we create impact!

SHAKTI's Campaign Towards a Tobacco-Free Future!

Gunupur, 7th February 2025 – Shakti Organisation, in partnership with Zilla Swastya Samiti, Rayagada, conducted a one-day training program for Sarpanches and Naib Sarpanches of Gunupur Panchayat Samiti. Held at the Gunupur Block Conference Hall, the program focused on the role of local leaders in implementing the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP).

Dr. Mamata Choudhury, District Public Health Officer, led the session, emphasizing the importance of Panchayat leadership in promoting tobacco-free villages. Participants discussed the harmful effects of tobacco use and strategies for engaging communities in tobacco control.

At the end of the program, all Sarpanches and Naib Sarpanches took a collective pledge to promote tobacco-free initiatives in their villages. The event was also attended by Dr. Kali Prasad Panda, Medical Officer of Jaganathpur CHC, and Mrs. Sanjukta Bag, Assistant Manager of MCD.

Shakti Organisation continues its vital work in empowering local leaders to create healthier, tobacco-free communities.

How Rural India is Flourishing with Sustainable Initiatives

In a significant step towards enhancing rural livelihoods and promoting sustainable development, Mr. Prasad Indap, the National Coordinator of the Sansadiya Sankul Vikash Pariyojana, recently visited the Shakti Organisation office and its operational villages of Rayagada District, Odisha. These villages, including Kereda, Sorishpadar, Sikhajhola, Sanamuniga, Badamuniga, and Kerandiguda, are witnessing transformative change through various initiatives that are improving the lives of local communities.

During his visit, Mr. Indap explored SHAKTI's impactful livelihood initiatives that have become the cornerstone of the region’s development. Among the highlights were:

🌞 Solar Irrigation Systems: Reducing dependency on traditional, resource-intensive irrigation methods and increasing agricultural productivity.

🌿 Turmeric & Tamarind Processing Units: Providing a marketable value to locally grown crops, enhancing economic stability for farmers.

🥕 Vegetable Cultivation: Enabling families to diversify their produce and increase income through sustainable farming practices.

🐐 Goat Farming: Offering an income-generating activity that also promotes animal husbandry as a viable livelihood option.

👗 Tailoring Units: Providing women with skill-based employment opportunities that empower them economically and socially.

🍓 Strawberry Farming: Introducing high-value crops that are reshaping local agricultural practices and boosting income.

🍃 Leaf Plate Production: Encouraging eco-friendly production methods that also create job opportunities.

Throughout his visit, Mr. Indap engaged with beneficiaries of these initiatives, recognizing their resilience and hard work in the face of challenges. He pointed out several key takeaways from the visit:

✅ Boosted Employment Opportunities

✅ Empowering Women Through Skill Development

✅ Renewable Energy Driving Productivity

✅ Need for Better Market Linkages & Training

As we look to the future, it’s clear that these initiatives are making a significant difference in the lives of rural communities. However, there is still work to be done. By strengthening market linkages, expanding skill development opportunities, and continuing to invest in sustainable technologies, we can further elevate these communities and create a self-reliant rural economy.

Let’s join hands to support these initiatives and drive lasting change! 💪🌱

Republic Day Celebration at Shakti Senior Citizen's Home

Republic Day marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution and the birth of our republic on 26th January 1950 a monumental achievement for our nation.

This year, Shakti Organisation was honored by the visit of DSSO, DSWO, and SSSO, who joined us in commemorating this special occasion, strengthening our bond with the community and spreading the message of unity and respect for our country’s journey.

Sadly, in today’s world, this day has often become just another holiday, with many forgetting its true significance. People indulge in clubs and trips, disconnected from the roots of our freedom.

At Shakti Organization, we celebrate Republic Day with our senior citizens, reconnecting with the values and spirit of our country. It's our way of honoring the past and staying rooted in the pride of being Indian.

One such inspiring moment during our celebration this year came from Mr. Sabar, a 78-year-old senior citizen, who shared his experience of India’s independence. He recalled the days when he was part of the movement for freedom, a young boy who believed in the power of change. As he spoke, his eyes sparkled with pride and emotion, reminding everyone in the room of the sacrifices made by countless heroes to achieve the freedom we sometimes take for granted.

Mr. Sabar’s story was a powerful reminder of the values we often overlook in the modern world—the courage, the unity, and the determination that shaped our country. In his words, “We fought for freedom, not just for us, but for future generations. It’s now your turn to preserve it and carry it forward with pride.”

Let’s take a moment to reflect on such inspiring stories and reconnect with the true meaning of Republic Day. At Shakti Organization, we are proud to honor our roots and continue the legacy of a nation built on freedom, resilience, and unity.

Thank you for reading!