SSDC03 – Lwah, Chamoli Garhwal

The people of Lwah Gaon, Chamoli have always remembered Martyr Kunwar Singh Bhandari with pride and respect. Inspired by his legacy of service and sacrifice, the community aspired to create opportunities that would bring meaningful change to people’s lives. At the same time, many women and girls in the village faced challenges due to limited access to skill development and livelihood opportunities. Without proper training and support, their talents and aspirations often remained untapped, limiting their ability to achieve economic independence and actively participate in community development. This highlighted the need for a platform dedicated to women empowerment, enabling them to become more confident, self-reliant, and financially secure.

To honour the martyr’s legacy in a meaningful way, the Samoon Foundation established a SSDC-03 (Samoon Skills Development Centre-03) in Lwah Gaon, Chamoli. Inaugurated on 07 February 2021, the centre provided a supportive environment where women and girls could learn new skills, build confidence, and explore opportunities for personal and economic growth. Under the guidance of Centre Trainer Sangeeta, with support from Programme Coordinator Sashi Pundir and Gram Pradhan Beena Bisht, the initiative focused on women empowerment through practical skill development, capacity building, and continuous encouragement. The project successfully completed its phase on 30 September 2023.

The initiative positively impacted 50 women and girls, helping them acquire valuable skills, strengthen their confidence, and improve their livelihood opportunities. The training encouraged self-reliance and empowered participants to take a more active role in supporting their families and contributing to their communities.

More than a skill development centre, the initiative became a symbol of women empowerment, opportunity, and community progress. By investing in the potential of local women and girls, the project carried forward the values of dedication, resilience, and service associated with Martyr Kunwar Singh Bhandari. The centre not only honoured his legacy but also created lasting opportunities for women to lead more confident, independent, and empowered lives.