SAMBA, February 28, 2026 In a significant move toward rural women’s empowerment and economic self-reliance, a new Sewing Training Cum Production Centre was officially inaugurated today at the Community Centre Panchayat Patli. Developed under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd and Usha International, and implemented by the non-profit organization Care for You, the centre aims to provide high-quality skill development and sustainable livelihood opportunities for women in the region.
The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Mr. Chander Parkash Ganga, Honorable Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Vijaypur, Samba-71. The inauguration took place in the presence of distinguished Guests of Honour, including Mr. Narsingh Dayal Verma (JKAS), Assistant Commissioner Panchayat Samba; Mr. Kamlesh Devikar, HR Head of Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd; and Mr. Roopesh Ajit Mirji, Plant Head of Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd. The event was further supported by key local leaders, including the Sarpanches of Kartholi and Patli, alongside a large gathering of local residents and stakeholders.
During the inaugural address, Mr. Chander Parkash Ganga commended the collaborative vision of Sun Pharma, Usha International, and Care for You. He emphasized that such initiatives are vital for the socio-economic transformation of the region, noting that the centre would play a pivotal role in making local women self-reliant. By bridging the gap between traditional skills and professional production standards, the MLA highlighted that the facility serves as more than just a school; it is a foundation for entrepreneurship and financial independence for the women of Samba.
This collaborative venture is driven by the shared vision of three dedicated organizations: Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd, a global pharmaceutical leader committed to impactful CSR projects that foster health and rural development; Usha International, which empowers rural women through its renowned Usha Silai School initiative by providing technical sewing skills to spark micro-entrepreneurship; and Care for You, a social welfare organization focused on the holistic empowerment of marginalized groups through education and livelihood initiatives. Together, these partners aim to create a sustainable ecosystem of community development, ensuring that the new Sewing Training Cum Production Centre serves as a cornerstone for long-term economic independence and social progress in the Samba region.
The event saw active participation from leadership across all partner organizations, including Ms. Paryanka Talwar, CSR Head of Sun Pharma; Mr. Touseef Malik, President of Care for You; Mr. Ramiz Raja, State Coordinator of Care for You; and Mr. Muzaffar Khawaja, Technical Head of Care for You. Representing Usha International were Ms. Shaista Ayoub, Program Manager of Usha Silai School; Ms. Farha, Trainer; and Ms. Tanu Sharma, Project Coordinator.
In a gesture reflecting the spirit of local craftsmanship, the Chief Guest and Guests of Honour were felicitated with handcrafted Paper Mache plates. These unique tokens were created by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) supported by Care for You, showcasing the existing talent within the community. The Sewing Training Cum Production Centre, located at NH-1 National Highway near Pillar No M-31-M-32, is now fully operational and set to begin its first phase of technical training, marking a new chapter for industrial skill-building in the Panchayat Patli area.
The program was expertly conducted by Ms. Bindiya Tikoo, a core member of Care for You, who also rendered the formal vote of thanks.
