21 training programs inaugurated

Pampore: The Production-Cum-Marketing-Training Centre (PMTC) of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) in Pampore celebrated the 154th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, with great enthusiasm and reverence at Gandhi Park, PMTC Pampore.
The event was graced by notable dignitaries including Anil Kumar Sharma, Principal, Assistant Director of PMTC/KVIC Pampore, Abdul Hameed Bhat, Secretary of Khadi Institution, M.A. Qureshi, Secretary of Khadi Federation Kashmir, G.M. Bhat, Social Worker, and Yashpal Singh, Assistant Director of KVIC Jammu.
The ceremony marked the inauguration of 21 training programs in various fields, benefitting around 450 children from regions including Baramulla, Shopian, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Anantnag, and Pulwama. These programs encompass essential skills such as computer proficiency, carpentry, weaving, mobile repair, cutting, and tailoring. Principal PMTC KVIC Pampore, Anil Kumar Sharma, expressed gratitude for the media’s continuous support, acknowledging the contributions of Bilal Habib and Dar Tariq, who actively covered Khadi programs, ensuring their success.
During the event, Principal Anil Kumar Sharma emphasized the importance of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles, urging everyone to uphold integrity, honesty, and cleanliness, which Gandhi Ji fervently advocated. Sharma highlighted the significance of their cleanliness drive, aligning with Gandhi Ji’s vision of a Swachh Bharat (Clean India), and emphasized the relevance of Gandhi’s teachings in the modern context.
Talking to Kashmir Reader, Sharma said that today, the staff and officers of our PMTC, along with Khadi institutions, have come together to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. “We have organized 21 training programs in which 400 children have participated, creating a vibrant atmosphere. After that, we conducted an awareness programme for 100 to150 artisans who came here, and we also initiated a plantation drive by planting fruit-bearing plants,” he said, adding that today they paid tribute to Gandhi Ji in two ways.
“First, by dedicating ourselves to work with honesty and integrity, and second, by reaching out to the underprivileged people who may not have access to Khadi and informing them about the various schemes of the Indian government and the Khadi Commission,” he said, adding that another significant aspect is cleanliness. If we don’t have cleanliness within us, as Gandhi Ji emphasized, we won’t achieve much; so we conducted a cleanliness drive in and around PMTC Pampore and the surrounding areas, he added.
Mushtaq Ahmad Qureshi, Secretary of the Khadi Federation, acknowledged the enduring impact of Gandhi Ji’s ideals, emphasizing their relevance even today. He praised the growing acceptance of Khadi, both locally and internationally, attributing its success to the ‘local for vocal’ initiative promoted by the Prime Minister. Qureshi encouraged people to participate in the celebration by wearing Khadi outfits, thus supporting this historical and significant institution.
The ceremony also featured a plantation drive and painting activities, engaging children in themes related to Gandhi Jayanti, Swachh Bharat, “My Soil, My Country,” and the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Prizes were awarded to winners of the painting competition, enhancing the event’s festive spirit.

KR Desk