Meer Iqbal
Lolab: Amidst the serene landscapes of the Lolab Valley, a silent transformation is underway — led by determined young women and powered by opportunity. At the heart of this movement is the Vocational Training Centre (VTC) in Chandigam, a landmark initiative established and sponsored by the Indian Army under Operation Sadbhavna (Goodwill Mission).
Over the years, this Army-run centre has become a vital skill development hub for the region, where more than 1,000 girls from nearby villages have received training in computer literacy, cutting, tailoring, and the exquisite Kashmiri craft of Sozni embroidery.
These programs are being conducted with active support from the Aseem Foundation and the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects of Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited, further strengthening the impact and sustainability of the initiative. The collaboration reflects a powerful synergy between the armed forces, civil society, and the corporate sector to uplift underserved communities in remote areas.
Many of the trained girls are now self-reliant, running home-based tailoring units, working as freelancers, or producing garments and handicrafts for local markets. What once seemed like an unreachable goal — to earn and support their families — has now become a proud reality.
“Thanks to the Indian Army, I now stitch clothes at home and earn my own income. It has changed my life and given me confidence I never had before,” says a local girl, from sogam who completed her course at the centre.
Through Operation Sadbhavna, the Indian Army has long been fostering community-centric development across Jammu and Kashmir, with a focus on education, health, women empowerment, and youth engagement. The VTC in Chandigam stands as a flagship example of this vision in action.
Army officers routinely interact with the trainees, offering mentorship and support. In many cases, they have helped promote the girls’ handcrafted products, creating linkages with markets and exhibitions beyond the valley.
Local families and community leaders have praised the initiative, calling it a turning point for rural women. Parents who once hesitated to let their daughters pursue training outside the home now proudly watch them become earners and leaders within their own households.
The modest building of the VTC in Chandigam today stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment — a space where skilled hands and confident minds are being nurtured every day.
This initiative exemplifies how civil-military partnerships, enhanced by NGO and CSR collaboration, can create long-term socio-economic change — one skilled girl at a time.
