Category: Workshop

JDEWS Showcases Uttarakhand’s Handmade Heritage at The Loom Collective Event

JDEWS

Dehradun | 4–5 July 2026

Janki Devi Educational Welfare
Society (JDEWS) proudly participated in The Loom Collective, a two-day celebration of handloom, handicrafts, entrepreneurship, and cultural heritage, organized by Ariyana Creations on the occasion of its Second Anniversary on 4th and 5th July 2026 at Address One, Malsi, Dehradun.

The event brought together renowned entrepreneurs, designers, artisans, social leaders, influencers, and handloom enthusiasts from across Uttarakhand, creating a vibrant platform for discussions, networking, and the promotion of India’s rich textile traditions. It served as a meaningful initiative to encourage sustainable livelihoods, preserve traditional craftsmanship, and empower local artisans.

JDEWS Exhibition of Handmade Products

As part of the event, Janki Devi Educational Welfare Society showcased an exclusive collection of completely handmade products crafted by local artisans and underprivileged women associated with the organization. The exhibition reflected the exceptional skills, creativity, and traditional craftsmanship of women from rural and remote areas of Uttarakhand.

The handcrafted collection received appreciation from visitors, entrepreneurs, and fellow exhibitors, highlighting the immense potential of local artisans when provided with the right opportunities, training, and market exposure.

Through its participation, JDEWS reiterated its commitment to promoting women-led enterprises, sustainable livelihoods, traditional handloom, and handicraft products while creating employment opportunities for economically weaker sections of society.

Secretary - Mrs. Kavita Chaturvedi Invited as Panelist

One of the major highlights of the event was the invitation extended to Mrs. Kavita Chaturvedi, Secretary of Janki Devi Educational Welfare Society, as an esteemed Panelist during the interactive discussion on the future of handloom entrepreneurship and community development.

During the panel discussion, Mrs. Chaturvedi shared her experiences as a Social Entrepreneur working extensively in the areas of:

·         Women Empowerment

·         Livelihood Enhancement

·         Education

·         Environmental Conservation

·         Skill Development

·         Rural Entrepreneurship

·         Community Health and Social Welfare

She emphasized the importance of empowering women through skill development and entrepreneurship while preserving the traditional handloom and handicraft heritage of Uttarakhand. She also highlighted the continuous efforts of JDEWS in working across the remote villages of Uttarakhand, where the organization identifies talented artisans, provides training, promotes sustainable livelihood opportunities, and connects handmade products with wider markets.

Mrs. Chaturvedi stressed that strengthening traditional crafts is not only a means of preserving cultural identity but also a powerful tool for creating economic independence for rural women and their families.


Distinguished Panel

The insightful panel discussion featured eminent personalities from the fields of textiles, entrepreneurship, media, and women’s empowerment:

Ms. Aayushi Gupta – Textile Designer from NIFT, Empanelled Designer with the Ministry of Textiles, Founder, Kalangan Home Textiles

Mrs. Bindu Nagalia – Co-Founder, Mirasa

Ms. Rajat Shakti – Co-Founder, Sari-Thon | State and Station Head, Red FM 93.5, Uttarakhand

Mrs. Kavita Chaturvedi – Social Entrepreneur & Secretary, Janki Devi Educational Welfare Society

Mrs. Mukti Datta – Founder, Panchachuli Women Weavers Cooperative, Almora

The panel discussion was skillfully moderated by:

Mr. Satish Sharma – Editor & Publisher, Garhwal Post.

The interaction provided valuable insights into preserving India’s handloom traditions, empowering women artisans, strengthening local entrepreneurship, and creating sustainable opportunities through collaborative efforts.

 

Vote of Thanks

Janki Devi Educational Welfare
Society expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Ariyana Creations for organizing such a remarkable platform that celebrates the richness of Indian handloom, handicrafts, and women entrepreneurship.

A special note of sincere appreciation goes to Mrs. Rashmi Bardhan Ma’am for her gracious invitation and for providing JDEWS the opportunity to exhibit the handmade creations of our talented rural artisans and underprivileged women. We are deeply honoured that Mrs. Kavita Chaturvedi was invited to share her
journey and experiences as a panelist among such distinguished personalities.

We congratulate Ariyana Creations on the successful completion of its Second Anniversary and wish the entire team continued success in their inspiring mission of promoting artisans, preserving our cultural heritage, and empowering women entrepreneurs. We look forward to many more meaningful collaborations in the future for the betterment of our communities and the preservation of Uttarakhand’s rich handloom and
handicraft traditions.

Uttarakhand Tourism Skilling Conference 16th april 2026

JDEWS

Empowering Tourism Stakeholders Through A Skilling Conference

Attending the conference organised by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and Uttarakhand Skill Development Mission was an insightful and enriching experience. The event was graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami as the Chief Guest, with the presence of distinguished dignitaries such as Satpal Maharaj and Saurabh Bahuguna as Special Guests. Their addresses set a strong vision for sustainable tourism and the importance of skill development in the state.

The discussions highlighted both the opportunities and challenges associated with the increasing number of tourists and pilgrims visiting Uttarakhand, particularly at key destinations like Kedarnath Temple and Badrinath Temple. Panel members and experts shared valuable insights on managing infrastructure pressure, addressing environmental concerns, and building a skilled workforce to enhance service quality. The sessions also emphasized empowering local communities through entrepreneurship and capacity building, ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach the grassroots level.

Overall, the conference provided a meaningful platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaborative thinking. It reinforced the importance of coordinated efforts between government, institutions, and communities to create a balanced approach that supports economic growth while preserving Uttarakhand’s ecological and cultural heritage.

Invitation for an “Awareness Workshop on the Jute Mark India (JMI) Scheme” on 14th March, 2026 at Dehradun, Uttarakhand

JDEWS
I was extremely honoured to receive the invite from the Ministry of Textiles ,Govt of India and National Jute Board for an “Awareness Workshop on the Jute Mark India (JMI) Scheme”, organized by this office. At Hotel Regenta Doon .The workshop aimed to popularize the JMI Scheme among exporters, stakeholders, societies, state government bodies, and other prominent entities. Understanding the importance of Jute fibre and the need to promote the jute and jute diversified products, The National Jute Board (NJB) under the Ministry of Textile Govt. of India has launched a program called “Jute Mark India” (JMI) on 9th July 2022 under the auspicious hands of the Secretary (Textiles), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India.
The workshop provided valuable insights into the benefits and implementation of the JMI Scheme, ensuring greater recognition and marketability of jute products. It also served as a platform for interaction between industry stakeholders and government representatives.Mrs Kusum Kandwal the Chairperson State Women Commission was the Chief Guest while I addressed the Importance of Jute diversified products and Women Entrepreneurship . It was attended by most of the Artisans ,beneficiaries ,women n youth working with Textiles .

First training under SECURE Himalaya project on livelihood enhancement in Uttarkashi

JDEWS

JDEWS’ First Training under SECURE Himalaya Project

In the heart of Uttarkashi’s Govind landscape, where nature’s beauty meets the determination of local communities, a transformative journey has begun. Janki Devi Educational Welfare Society (JDEWS) takes pride in its role as a torchbearer of change under the SECURE Himalaya Project, an initiative that seeks to enhance livelihoods, strengthen the handloom and handicraft value chain, and promote the conservation of natural resources.


Empowering Communities through Handloom and Handicraft

Our first step in this incredible journey took us to the serene village of Doni, nestled in the picturesque district of Uttarkashi. Here, we embarked on a mission to empower the local communities by imparting invaluable skills in the art of wool production and handloom weaving.

Wool Production – From Sheep to Fabric

In the heart of Doni, we witnessed the intricate process of wool production firsthand. Local artisans showcased their expertise in delicately extracting wool from sheep, a skill that has been passed down through generations. The sheer precision and care with which they handle this natural resource are truly commendable.

The Transformative Power of Handloom

The journey of wool doesn’t end with its extraction; instead, it evolves into a vibrant array of fabrics. Using traditional handloom techniques, the artisans weave magic into every thread, creating fabrics that serve as the canvas for countless valuable products.

Empowering Rural Artisans for Sustainable Livelihoods

The impact of our training in Doni extends far beyond the loom. By equipping local communities with these skills, we are not only enhancing their livelihoods but also nurturing a spirit of conservation. These artisans are now able to create a range of exquisite products that resonate with both traditional artistry and sustainability.

Join Us in the Journey
As we move forward with the SECURE Himalaya Project, we invite you to be a part of this transformative journey. Your support can help us empower more rural artisans, strengthen the handloom and handicraft value chain, and contribute to the conservation of Uttarkashi’s natural resources.

Let’s weave a sustainable future, one thread at a time.

Baseline Survey for Sustainable Livelihood: Journey to Uttarkashi

JDEWS

In our relentless pursuit of sustainable livelihood and community transformation, Janki Devi Educational Welfare Society (JDEWS) takes a significant stride forward. Our recent visit to the assigned villages of Domi, Satta, Saur, Usla, and Devari under the SECURE Himalaya project, in collaboration with UNDP- “Livelihood enhancement of the local communities by strengthening Handloom & Handicraft value chain and encourage the communities towards conservation of natural resources of District Uttarkashi” reaffirms our commitment to uplift local communities and preserve natural resources in the picturesque district of Uttarkashi.

Enhancing Livelihoods, One Village at a Time

As we embark on this journey, we recognize the potential of handloom and handicrafts as catalysts for change. Our primary focus is to strengthen the Handloom & Handicraft value chain, offering a pathway for local communities to not only earn a sustainable livelihood but also contribute to the conservation of their pristine surroundings.

The Baseline Survey

Allowed us to understand the unique challenges and aspirations of the communities. What struck us profoundly was their resilience despite the lack of basic infrastructure such as roads and internet connectivity. Amidst these difficulties, their spirit shines through, reminding us of the immense potential these villages hold.

Creating a Vision for Growth

Through our visit, we witnessed their contentment, but we also saw the untapped possibilities for growth. We believe that by nurturing the Handloom & Handicraft value chain, we can provide a platform for these communities to shine on a broader stage. Our goal is to empower them with skills, resources, and a vision for sustainable growth, enabling them to gain recognition and flourish.


#SustainableLivelihood #CommunityEmpowerment #HandloomAndHandicraft #SECUREHimalaya #JDEWS #Uttarkashi #UNDP