Phulkari WOA awards degrees for digital literacy

In a stride towards empowering children from the lower income group through learning, Phulkari Women of Amritsar (WOA), a women’s organisation, hosted graduation ceremony of Batch 12 of the Phulkari Digital Literacy Programme at Khalsa College of Engineering and Technology.

The day saw awarding of degrees to 10 elated students as they got ready for the world of work.

The chief guest on the occasion was Surinder Sachdeva, leading businessman and philanthropist and the guest of honour was Anoop Mohini Bhandari, Chief Trustee, Pushpinder Singh Memorial Trust.

Phulkari WOA launched the Phulkari Learning Programme in October 2018, providing opportunities to students to realise their untapped potential and develop skills to enhance their suitability for future career opportunities. Its three verticals —- Phulkari Functional English Programme, Phulkari Digital Literacy Programme and Phulkari Fellowship Programme—- equip students with different skills.

In Phulkari Functional English Programme, 425 students from 13 centres have been taught by 90 Phulkari volunteers in more than 275 classes since the inception of the programme.

Phulkari Digital Literacy Programme launched in 2023, teaches individuals the essential skills needed to use digital technology effectively and responsibly. One hundred and twenty students have so far received training, become industry-ready individuals and have been profitably placed.

Phulkari Fellowship Programme launched in 2024 includes scholarship through corporate CSR initiative and supports top 10 female students at Government Medical College in their medical education based on merit. The initiative is led by Phulkari National Chairpersons, Arti Khanna, Deepa Swani, and Amritsar programme heads, Rajini Bajaj and Shivani Ahuja.

Phulkari president Meenakshi Khanna, said, “We at Phulkari take immense pride in our dedicated efforts towards promoting digital literacy. It is not just a mission, it is a movement towards social equity, inclusion and self-reliance.”