In an exclusive interview with The People Management magazine, Radha Agarwal shares insights on Kamdhenu Jeevandhara Foundation’s various programs

In an exclusive interview with The People Management magazine, Radha Agarwal shares insights on Kamdhenu Jeevandhara Foundation’s various programs i.e. Tailoring training, computer training and street children education programs to equip and empowers the underprivileged fraction of the society.

Q1. Kamdhenu Jeevandhara Foundation is the CSR arm of M/s Kamdhenu Group. What inspired Kamdhenu Foundation to focus on Skill training to Women from weaker section in the society?

The Kamdhenu Jeevandhara Foundation since its incorporation in 2019 has been tirelessly working to uplift the marginalized communities in the society. Our focus on Skill training to Women from weaker section in the society stems from our strong belief in sustainable empowerment and in response to the ground realities. Women from the weaker section of the society in particular are faced with multiple barriers and skill development is a strong catalyst for positive change and breaking the cycle of poverty. Skilling a woman also has a multiplier effect in improving the well-being of their immediate family with the ripple effect being seen in the community.

Q2. What transformation stories have you witnessed among the trained women under your Foundation’s initiative?

The foundation offers tailoring training program to empower financially vulnerable women to earn a dignified income through their skilled craftsmanship. The foundation also provides sewing machines to those in need to set them on a path to financial independence and empower them to make meaningful contribution to their household. Beneficiaries of the program have leveraged their training and acquired skills to set-up independent shops and are successfully running their business while others have found gainful employment as skilled tailors in garment factories and design houses. Looking at the impact the program has made in the society, the foundation is confident that its endeavor to initiate sustainable empowerment is on the right track.

Q3.  What key challenges has Kamdhenu Foundation encountered while initiating this project, and what strategies have been most effective in overcoming them?

There is a lot of good that can be done in this world if one has the heart for it. Having said that, the key challenge faced in executing the project is in accommodating all the applicants to the program. The tailoring training program has been running successfully for the past 5 years and we are working to ensure that we deliver the best possible training by engaging skilled experts as trainers. We are also in constant touch with various stakeholders to align the program to industry demands and meet current standards. Providing an extended helping hand by providing sewing machines to those who cannot afford it ensure that the acquired skills are put to good use.

Q4. What regions does the foundation plan to expand in the near future?

The program currently runs in locations where we have our manufacturing units for seamless co-ordination and better management. Our manufacturing units are spread across the country and as more units come under our wings, we will expand the foundation’s program to those locations as well. The foundation is interested in undertaking grassroots initiatives that delivers tangible impacts and is open to enter new areas both geographically and nature of skill training.

Q5. What are the foundation’s upcoming initiatives?

The foundation is working to deliver maximum social impact through its initiatives. Along with the tailoring training program, also offers computer training to underprivileged youth, preparing them for employment opportunities. Strengthening these programs are a priority so that beneficiaries can gain more meaningful engagements in the future. The foundation also has aligned itself to the government initiatives such as empowerment, skill development and sustainability. Current and future initiatives will continue aligning to the priorities set by the government so as to contribute meaningfully to the nation building process.