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In an inspiring step towards promoting women-led livelihood opportunities and sustainable craftsmanship, Svarnim Puducherry, in collaboration with the EIACP Hub of DSTE and the Puducherry Pollution Control Committee (PPCC), organised a 15-day Vetiver Handicraft Workshop from October 27th to November 14th, 2025.
The workshop brought together 30 women participants from local communities, equipping them with skills to create eco-friendly and marketable handicraft products using Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) — a versatile grass known for its fragrant roots, soil-binding properties, and environmental benefits.
Under the guidance of experienced trainers, participants learned to craft a range of sustainable products, including vetiver scrubbers, decorative garlands, and curtain mats. The training sessions combined practical skill-building with insights into the material’s ecological and economic value. To deepen their understanding, participants also undertook a field visit to the material sourcing site, gaining firsthand exposure to the stages of cultivation, collection, and preparation of vetiver roots.
The initiative not only provided technical skills but also aimed to empower women towards self-reliance and green entrepreneurship. By transforming locally available natural resources into value-added products, the programme supports livelihood creation while promoting eco-conscious living and reducing dependency on synthetic materials.
Through this collaboration, Svarnim Puducherry continues to advance its mission of building sustainable communitiesby integrating environmental conservation with social empowerment. The Vetiver Handicraft Workshop stands as a testament to how traditional knowledge, when combined with modern livelihood approaches, can create meaningful and lasting change at the grassroots level.
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