NLCIL CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY WITH “SOLOPRENEURSHIP” INITIATIVE

On the occasion of International Women’s day on 08.03.2026, as a tribute to Nari Shakti, Shri Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, CMD, NLCIL, along with Smt Radhika Motupalli, President, Sneha Opportunity Services, distributed tailoring machines to 20 women who successfully completed a specialized 90-day Skill Development Programme in Tailoring and “Aari” embroidery. The event, organized by the Neyveli Automobile Association (NAA) at Sneha Opportunity School, marks a significant step toward fostering a sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystem in the region.

The programme was also graced by Shri Samir Swarup, Director (HR), NLCIL, Shri B. Govindarajan, Chief General Manager, NLCIL & President, Neyveli Automobile Association; Shri B. Vaidyanathan, Chief General Manager, NLCIL & Vice President, Sneha Opportunity Services; Shri T. V. Sivaprasad, Secretary, Neyveli Automobile Association, Office Bearers of NAA and Sneha Opportunity Services (SOS).

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Prasanna Kumar Motupalli appreciated the initiative taken by the Neyveli Automobile Association and Sneha Opportunity Services in organizing the Skill Development Programme for women.

“The programme, launched on Viswakarma Diwas, coinciding with the birthday of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, symbolizes respect for skill, craftsmanship, and the dignity of labour. On this International Women’s Day, when the strength and contribution of Naari Shakthi are being celebrated, I am happy that, through efforts like these, avenues are being created for local land displaced persons who were instrumental for NLCIL’s evolution. I also congratulate the Neyveli Automobile Association and Sneha Opportunity Services for choosing to invest in a noble cause by providing meaningful skill development training to women, enabling them to start their livelihood immediately”, he stated.

Shri Samir Swarup, Director (HR), commended the initiative and called upon the beneficiaries to leverage their skills for family financial upliftment. Smt. Radhika Motupalli, President of Sneha Opportunity Services congratulated the Neyveli Automobile Association for taking up such a noble and impactful initiative for women empowerment by supporting the beneficiaries with tailoring machines, which would help them start their own work and become economically independent and we are supporting 20 potential women entrepreneurs influencing more than 100 family members.

Empowering Through Skill

Launched on Vishwakarma Diwas, the programme provided intensive training to women from economically vulnerable backgrounds, including 12 from Project Affected Person (PAP) families, five from surrounding villages, and three widowed women facing socio-economic challenges. By providing both the skill and the machinery, the initiative transitions these women from trainees to "solopreneurs."

Infrastructure for the Future

Marking the occasion, the CMD also laid the foundation stone for the renovation of the Sneha School open auditorium. With an estimated outlay of ₹23 Lakhs, the upgraded facility will include a 100-person capacity hall, a dedicated stage, a green room, and modern amenities.

Strategic Impact

In a unique move toward long-term growth, the NAA is collaborating with StartupTN to provide incubation support. The goal is to see these women form Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs) or thrive as independent entrepreneurs, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals of Gender Equality and Decent Work.

Women Empowerment for a Viksit Bharat

Notably, the initiative is in line with the Prime Minister’s vision for women empowerment which focuses on shifting from "women's development" to "women-led development," positioning women as architects of a “Viksit Bharat” (developed India) and the focused guidance of the Minister of Coal & Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy in fostering a “women-led development” approach by NLCIL.