Shoolini varsity’s ‘Pragati’ to empower women entrepreneurs
In a pioneering move to promote women’s entrepreneurship in rural India, Shoolini University has launched ‘Pragati’, a transformative programme designed to equip rural women with essential business skills and mentorship support.
The initiative is led by Payal Jindal Khanna, Deputy Director and Head of the Centre for Leadership Coaching, with strategic backing from Chief Learning Officer Dr Ashoo Khosla and Vice-Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla, who serves as the Programme Advisor.
The programme was inaugurated with seven ‘Sakhis’ (women participants) from villages under the Sanhol panchayat, who took part in an introductory session. In this hybrid-format meeting, they interacted with their ‘Sarthis’ (coaches) and ‘Sahyogis’ (student mentors), laying the groundwork for their entrepreneurial journey.
Running from January to July 2025, ‘Pragati’ emphasises practical learning, regular engagement and self-reliance, aiming to transform participants into confident, independent entrepreneurs. The programme follows a structured three-tier mentorship model, where ‘Sakhis’ receive personalised coaching from ‘Sarthis’, while ‘Sahyogis’ offer hands-on business guidance through monthly checkpoints and individual support sessions. Over three months, coaches will conduct six one-on-one mentorship sessions, focusing on self-awareness, problem-solving and business development.
