Women Play a Key Role in Building a Self-Reliant Nation through Hindustan Zinc’s Sakhi Program: Mannalal Rawat

Zawar, Udaipur: Empowering women is the cornerstone of a strong society and a self-reliant nation, said Udaipur Member of Parliament Mannalal Rawat while addressing the grand Sakhi Utsav organized at Zawar Stadium. The event was jointly hosted by Hindustan Zinc Limited, Manjari Foundation, and Sakhi Shakti Samiti, Zawar.

Addressing a gathering of over 3,000 women, Rawat lauded the initiatives undertaken by Hindustan Zinc in rural Zawar to make women economically independent. He emphasized that Hindustan Zinc is not merely a mining company but a major source of employment and social transformation. “The word ‘Sakhi’ itself symbolizes strength. When women become self-reliant, society and the nation automatically become stronger,” he said, urging women to actively participate in income-generating activities.

Empowering Women, Strengthening Families

Inspector General of Police Gaurav Srivastava highlighted that empowering a woman strengthens an entire family. He noted that through the Sakhi initiative, women are confidently balancing home responsibilities and contributing equally to family income, setting an inspiring example of true empowerment.

Anshul Khandelwal, IBU Head of Zawar Mines, reiterated the company’s commitment to women’s self-reliance. He shared that through programs such as Sakhi, Shiksha Sambal, Samadhan, and Zinc Kaushal, the company is building stronger, prosperous communities. He proudly mentioned that women are now holding leadership roles within the Vedanta Group and Hindustan Zinc, actively participating in mine management and corporate decision-making.

A Festival of Strength and Celebration

The Sakhi Utsav transformed Zawar Stadium into a vibrant celebration of unity and enthusiasm. Women participated wholeheartedly in sports competitions such as tug-of-war, kabaddi, sack race, and chair race. The day was filled with devotional singing, Rajasthani folk dances, and cultural performances that showcased the spirit and talent of rural women.

Winners of the competitions were honored by distinguished guests, while Sakhi Shakti Samiti and Sakhi Federation President Rukmani Meena presented a report on the year-long activities and achievements of the project.

Expanding Impact Across Regions

Hindustan Zinc’s Sakhi program currently operates across six districts in Rajasthan—Udaipur, Salumber, Rajsamand, Bhilwara, Ajmer, and Chittorgarh—and also in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. In the Zawar Mines region alone, over 400 self-help groups have connected more than 5,000 women, enabling them to access livelihood opportunities and financial independence.

Under the Sakhi Production Committee, 14 production units and 208 retail stores have been established. Through brands like Daichi (food products) and Upaya (textiles), rural women entrepreneurs are building strong market linkages. The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on gender equality, decent work, economic growth, and reduced inequalities.

So far, the Sakhi initiative has empowered more than 25,000 women across 184 villages, forming over 2,000 village organizations and thousands of self-help groups—creating a sustainable ecosystem of inclusive growth and entrepreneurship.

A Collective Pledge for a Stronger Tomorrow

The event concluded with a collective pledge by participants to strengthen families, communities, and the nation through self-reliance and unity. The Sakhi Utsav not only celebrated achievements but also reaffirmed the transformative power of women-led development in rural India