In a significant step towards women’s empowerment and economic self-reliance, the Orientation Programme for a Customized 12-Week Training Course in Cosmetology and Entrepreneurship was inaugurated today at the World Skill Center in Bhubaneswar.
This specially designed program is tailored for members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Mission Shakti initiative, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the World Skill Center and the Mission Shakti Department of the Government of Odisha.
The event featured inspiring keynote addresses by Smt. Rashmita Panda, IAS, Director of the Directorate of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (DSDE) and CEO of the Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA) & World Skill Center, as well as Dr. Monica Priyadarshini, IAS, Director of Mission Shakti.
In her speech, Dr. Priyadarshini emphasised the transformative power of skill development in helping women lead independent and dignified lives. “This training is more than just a course — it’s a launchpad for dreams, dignity, and financial independence. Become entrepreneurs and creators of employment,” she encouraged.
Echoing this vision, Smt. Panda highlighted the initiative’s holistic and integrated approach. “We are building a robust ecosystem — equipping SHG women not only with skills but also with the tools, networks, and support needed to thrive as entrepreneurs in their respective districts. This initiative aligns with our goal of creating ‘Lakhpati Didis’ and promoting greater self-dependence among women,” she stated.
The 12-week intensive course will provide hands-on training in cosmetology, beauty therapy, and salon management, along with essential modules on financial literacy, business planning, customer service, and entrepreneurship development. The program aims to enable 21 SHG women from eight districts to launch their own enterprises or secure meaningful employment in the rapidly growing beauty and wellness sector.
Key members of the World Skill Center leadership team were present at the event, including Shri Pinaki Patnaik, Chief Operating Officer; Dr. Abinash Rout, Additional Secretary of the Mission Shakti Department; Mr. Bruce Poh, Chief Skills Officer; Mr. T. Thambyrajah, Principal; Mr. Jeetamitra Satpathy, Deputy Principal; Mr. Lim Lai Soon, Senior Director of the School of Services; and Dr. Jayant Dash, Plastic Surgeon at KIMS and owner of Dasthetix, along with other senior officials and staff of the World Skill Center.
