St. Xavier’s launches ‘Project UDAAN’ for empowering rural women

On International Women’s Day 2026, St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous) marked a significant milestone in grassroots empowerment with the launch of ‘Project UDAAN – Learn & Earn’. Organized by the Centre of Gender Studies at the Raghabpur rural campus in collaboration with the St. Xavier’s College (Calcutta) Alumni Association (SXCCAA), the initiative aims to provide financial independence to women in the surrounding villages of South 24 Parganas.

The project is designed as a sustainable ecosystem where participants receive free professional training in creating marketable products such as designer envelopes, rakhis, gift bags, and pickles. Following the training phase, the college and its alumni wing will provide raw materials and handle the collection and sale of finished goods. This ensures that the women are fairly remunerated for their labor without the burden of sourcing materials or finding buyers.

The response to the launch has been overwhelming, with over 250 local women registering for the program. Implementation will occur in structured phases, beginning with batches of 25 women to ensure personalized hands-on guidance. The training and marketing logistics are being spearheaded by noted philanthropist Mrs. Sangita Sureka alongside the SXCCAA Philanthropy Team, bridging the gap between rural craftsmanship and urban markets.

Rev. Dr. Dominic Savio, SJ, Principal of St. Xavier’s College and President of the Alumni Association, emphasized that UDAAN is more than just a vocational course; it is a movement toward dignity and self-reliance. He noted that the initiative aligns with the Jesuit doctrine of inclusive education, particularly at the 10-year-old Raghabpur campus where more than 70% of the students are women.

The inauguration ceremony featured prominent women achievers, including environmental scientist Dr. Swati Nandi Chakraborty and popular actress Mimi Dutta. Their presence underscored the project's goal of inspiring local women to transform their socio-economic standing. Dignitaries praised the "College to Village" model for its direct impact on community development and family welfare.

As the first batches begin their training, SXCCAA Honorary Secretary Mr. Sanjib Koner reaffirmed the alumni's commitment to the project's long-term success. By turning rural homes into small-scale production hubs, St. Xavier’s continues to expand its role beyond traditional academics, fostering a culture of social responsibility and sustainable entrepreneurship in Bengal’s rural heartland.