The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur has launched a groundbreaking certificate program in Odia, the local language, aimed at supporting and empowering master weavers of western Odisha.
This innovative Small Business Management Training Programme, conducted in collaboration with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), seeks to enhance the market presence of local weavers on prominent e-commerce platforms such as Flipkart and Amazon.
The 12-day weekend training program covers crucial topics, including design, digital marketing, GST, and financial management. By offering this training in the vernacular language, IIM Sambalpur is making these essential business skills more accessible to the weavers, ensuring they can fully grasp and apply the knowledge to improve their businesses.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote and preserve Odisha's rich weaving heritage. By equipping weavers with modern business skills and strategies, the program aims to transform the local weaving industry, fostering economic growth and enhancing the weavers' livelihoods.
One of the program's key objectives is to create a 'Bunkar Valley,' a thriving hub for weavers that celebrates and sustains the region's cultural legacy. Through this initiative, IIM Sambalpur hopes to preserve traditional weaving techniques and integrate them with modern business practices to reach a wider audience.
The program's focus on e-commerce is particularly significant, as it opens up new avenues for weavers to market their products globally. This exposure to digital platforms can significantly increase their sales and profitability, helping them to compete more effectively in the modern marketplace.
Moreover, the GST and financial management training is designed to help weavers navigate the complexities of taxation and financial planning, ensuring they can manage their businesses more efficiently and compliantly.
According to India Education Diary, the vernacular certificate program launched by IIM Sambalpur represents a significant step towards empowering local weavers in western Odisha. By providing training in their native language and focusing on essential business skills, the program seeks to uplift the weaving community, preserve their cultural heritage, and create sustainable economic opportunities. This initiative is a testament to the transformative power of education and collaboration in fostering regional development and artistic preservation.