Penned By Communications Manager, Aditi Mandali
At Sharana, our work is rooted in three interconnected pillars, one of which is Women’s Social Entrepreneurship. This pillar focuses on empowering women to become financially independent by equipping them with the skills, support, and confidence needed to start or grow small-scale businesses. For the communities we serve, women’s economic empowerment remains a powerful catalyst for lasting change; strengthening families and building resilient neighbourhoods.
A core part of our philosophy is collaboration. We believe meaningful social development happens when organisations work together to bridge gaps, strengthen existing systems, and ensure that support reach those who need it most. Over the years, Sharana has joined forces with various government departments to help families access schemes and opportunities that can positively transform their lives. This reflects our belief that true empowerment lies not in creating parallel structures, but in helping communities benefit from the systems already in place.
In this spirit, we are happy to announce a new partnership with the MSME Development & Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India). The Ministry of MSME plays a vital national role in nurturing entrepreneurship, building skills, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. Its mission aligns with Sharana’s guiding principles of strengthening local capacities, fostering self-reliance, and supporting women to shape their own futures.
This alignment comes to life through the Entrepreneurship Skill Development Program (ESDP) with special focus on “Food Processing”, launched for 30 women from the community we work with. Over the next 6 weeks, participants will receive specialised, hands-on training designed to enhance their skills and open pathways to viable entrepreneurial opportunities. The program will include business skill development such as setting up a unit, registration processes, basic financial management, and marketing, alongside technical training in the chosen trade and entrepreneurial mindset building. This will equip the women with practical knowledge and the confidence needed to run a successful small-scale enterprise and also give a certificate.
The inaugural ceremony was held yesterday at our Social Centre in Solai Nagar. It began with Dr. Altaf Ahmed, Assistant Director, MSME-DFO, Chennai, delivering the inaugural lecture. He welcomed the women warmly, introduced them to the role and vision of MSME, spoke about the various schemes available to support aspiring entrepreneurs, and encouraged the participants to make the most of this opportunity. Following his address, our Founder/President Ms. Rajkala Partha thanked the MSME team for this meaningful collaboration and expressed optimism for the work we can accomplish together. Ms. Preetika Sharma, Assistant Director, MSME Testing Station, Puducherry, then spoke to the women about the different entrepreneurial certifications and credentials required to establish and run a business, particularly relevant for those interested in food production and sales.
Dr. Atalf Ahmed, Assistant Director, MSME-DFO, Chennai delivering his inaugural lecture
Founder/President Rajkala Partha speaking.
The training began immediately after the ceremony, led by Mr. Siddheshwaran, MSME Consultant & Career Development Coach, along with Specialised Trainer, Ms. Rahamat, who will guide the participants through the future sessions. Together, they will take the women through business skills, technical training in food processing, and the foundations of building an entrepreneurial mindset.
Ms. Preetika Sharama, Assistant Director addressing the women.
A glimpse from the training session
The hall was filled with curiosity, determination, and quiet confidence, each woman aware that this opportunity could become a milestone in her journey toward economic independence.
This collaboration represents more than a training program; it brings together shared values and complementary strengths. Together, Sharana and the MSME Ministry are creating pathways for women to build sustainable livelihoods, support their families, and participate more fully in the economic life of their communities.
We look forward to witnessing the transformation this program will bring, and to the many opportunities it will open for these 30 women, and for many more in the future.
