Page 39 - EDII Report 131

Armed Forces Personnel Nurture Their
Badarwas Jacket Cluster, Madhya Pradesh

The Badarwas Jacket Cluster participated in Entrepreneurial Inclination
the Mahakumbh Mela, Prayagraj, where
they showcased their handcrafted jackets.
The Mahakumbh Mela provided a valuable EDII initiated a programme for vesting defence personnel with the skills and knowledge
platform to artisans to display their required to pursue successful entrepreneurial ventures after their service. In recognition of
craftsmanship. It allowed them to connect the unique needs and aspirations of the armed forces, the Institute has tailored this training
with more customers and expand their specifically for Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and personnel of other ranks (ORs)
market reach. In all, Rs.27,000 worth of from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. In collaboration with, Directorate General
sale was recorded. Resettlement, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (Ministry of Defence), this 12-week
course, initiated from February 10 and will continue till May 2, 2025. This course will equip
37 defence personnel with essential tools for transitioning into civilian life and launching
Kolhapuri Chappal Cluster, Maharashtra
their own businesses.
Master artisans from the Kolhapuri The course covers a wide array of entrepreneurship related topics, including business
Chappal cluster showcased their exquisite
ideation, planning, financial management, marketing, leadership, and the practical
craftsmanship at the iconic Red Fort, New execution of business strategies. Through a balanced mix of lectures, interactive
Delhi, during a seven-day event organized
by the Footwear Design & Development workshops, guest speaker sessions and practical exercises, the programme aims to instil a
comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurship. Each week focuses on a specific area,
Institute (FDDI). Artisans Mangesh ensuring that participants are well-prepared and are ready to move to the next facet of
Chougule and Dattatray Satpute entrepreneurship learning. Practical learning exposure to industries, incubation facilities
represented the Kolhapuri Leather & and institutions impart knowledge of business operations and growth factors.
Chappal Work Producer Company Ltd.
(KLCWPCL).

During the event, artisans explored new design concepts, market trends, and product
standardization with the support of FDDI students. The collaboration between EDII and
FDDI reinforced the belief that traditional craftsmanship can thrive in modern markets with
the right exposure and support.

Dausa Leather Cluster, Rajasthan

A two-day workshop, from February 24 to
25, 2025, brought together key
stakeholders to strategize and create a
roadmap for structured growth and
s u s t a i n a b i l i t y i n t h e c l u s t e r.
Representatives from EDII-National
Resource Organisation and Rajasthan-
State Rural Livelihood Mission played a
pivotal role in the workshop. The Board of
Directors and master artisans from the Major Mansor Ahammad from 16 Maratha Light Infantry addressing the participants.
cluster also contributed by way of valuable
insights, fostering a collective vision for
sustainable growth and development.
The programme aims to facilitate the resettlement of armed forces personnel by nurturing
The project has been delivering tangible results in terms of enhanced financial ability, their entrepreneurial competencies and aspirations.
technical and production capacities and access to dedicate resources.

38 39