Inauguration of one month training session on production of yarn from lotus fiber at Kalinga University
Raipur. Kalinga University in collaboration with Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) inaugurated a one month training session focused on production of yarn from lotus fibre. Held at the community hall of Kotni village in Naya Raipur, the exercise aims to empower rural communities by providing them with the necessary skills for the production of lotus yarn. Lotus yarn is a unique, handmade, non-mechanised fibre, which is gaining immense popularity in the international fashion market.
Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, inspired by the vision of transformational change in rural development, aims to leverage the expertise of academic and research institutions to promote inclusive growth across India. The project supported under the Technology Development Programme of UBA is dedicated to rural upliftment and creation of employment opportunities in the handloom sector. The innovative experiment in making yarn from lotus fibre represents a significant breakthrough in the industry.
The process of production of lotus yarn is completely manual, with no machinery involved. The resulting yarn is delicate, light and airy, giving about 2 meters of fabric from just 130 grams of yarn. Internationally renowned fashion brands like Loro Piana and Gucci have already recognized the potential of this fabric and are promoting it as a special “aqua fabric”. The project aims to establish lotus fiber yarn as a major product of the state of Chhattisgarh, a state rich in ponds and wetlands for lotus cultivation.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by many eminent dignitaries including Dr. Sandeep Gandhi, Registrar, Kalinga University, Dr. Sudhakar Pandey, RCI Coordinator, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, Dr. Vijayalakshmi, Director, IQAC, Kalinga University, Dr. Vinita Dewan, Master Trainer and Principal Investigator of the project and Rajesh Sahu, Sarpanch of Kotni village.
In his address, Dr. Sandeep Gandhi emphasized on the growing demand of lotus yarn in both national and international markets and encouraged the villagers to actively participate in this skill development opportunity. Dr. Sudhakar Pandey highlighted the importance of financial independence for both men and women through such programs which are being promoted extensively under UBA. Village Sarpanch Rajesh Sahu motivated the villagers to embrace rural progress and these new projects which are an initiative towards rural development and a prosperous India.
The training session started on a positive note and received an overwhelming response from the villagers. The program was successfully coordinated by the Kalinga Operations Team led by Manish Singh, Virendra and Kshitij Sharma. Special thanks were given to Ashwan Kumar Sahu, IQAC Coordinator for his presence and cooperation in organizing the program.
