Defence Minister Rajnath Singh officially opened a landmark facility dedicated to the advancement of women in rural India on Saturday. The Shrimad Rajchandra Sarvamangal Centre of Excellence for Women (COEW) in Dharampur, Surat district, represents a significant step towards fostering self-reliance and development among women, particularly from tribal communities.
A Vision for Rural Women's Transformation
The sprawling centre, envisioned by spiritual leader Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji, is a first-of-its-kind integrated ecosystem. It spans an impressive 11 acres with a built-up area of nearly 2 lakh square feet, making it one of India's largest initiatives focused solely on women's empowerment. The project is meticulously designed to support rural women at every stage of their personal and professional growth.
During the inauguration ceremony, Rajnath Singh expressed his admiration for the unique concept, noting that it is entirely managed and run by rural women themselves. "I have never seen anything like this; it is truly a novel concept. I bow in gratitude to Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji for envisioning it," he stated. The Defence Minister emphasized that the initiative perfectly embodies the spirit of both Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
Ambitious Impact and Annual Goals
The centre has set ambitious targets to create a wide-reaching impact. It is projected to train and skill more than 15,000 women every year. Furthermore, through a network of satellite centres and partnerships across rural India, thousands more are expected to benefit from its programs. This scale of operation underscores a deep commitment to women-led rural development.
The location of the campus in Dharampur is strategic, aiming to create a transformative ripple effect across the region. The area is home to approximately 9.6 lakh women, with a significant 55% belonging to tribal communities. This focus ensures that development reaches some of the most underserved sections of society.
Philosophy of Silent, Impactful Change
Atmarpit Nemiji, Vice President of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur, highlighted the organization's underlying philosophy. He pointed out that the mission believes in driving silent yet impactful transformation. The centre is not just a physical infrastructure but a holistic environment intended to nurture confidence, skills, and leadership among women, enabling them to become architects of their own destiny and contributors to the nation's progress.
The inauguration of this centre marks a pivotal moment in grassroots empowerment efforts. By providing education, vocational training, and comprehensive support, it stands as a powerful testament to the potential of community-driven development aligned with national goals.
