Udaan, a CSR initiative by Tata Steel Foundation is a community-based engagement that emphasizes on co-creation of meaningful and sustainable growth opportunities for the youth, women and farmers in Odisha. The initiative was instituted in 2016 which brings together the communities proximate to the operations of Tata Steel in Gopalpur. This year, the objective was to bring the communities together to build a culture of Climate Resilience through disaster risk reduction and highlight the role of women in the initiative.

World Trade Center Bhubaneswar participated in the program to share its objectives and views since the Center has been rigorously working to handhold the women entrepreneurs who aspire to grow their businesses.

Ms. Nimeshika Natarajan, Assistant Director, World Trade Center Bhubaneswar in her address highlighted the significance of innovation in today’s world and how a different approach to a similar situation can act as a solution centric outlook. She emphasized on taking up challenges as opportunities and the abilities of a woman in overall enterprise development. She further spoke about the impacts of natural calamities on the state and how processed food production can be adapted as businesses which would act as a major support during such untoward conditions. She urged to make certain changes in the mindset that prohibits the women to learn, adapt, share knowledge and grow.

Dr. Rina Routray, Chairperson, Mahila Atmanirbhar Abhiyan and Advisor, WTC Bhubaneswar Women Forum in her address spoke about challenges women face on a day-to-day basis. She urged the women to be aware about the true definition and the significance of education, skills and self-reliance in Women Empowerment. She spoke vividly about the role of Women in nation building and how women need to transform themselves to establish in the society. She further addressed the reasons of domestic violence like financial dependence, drug addiction, moral constraints and ways to tackle them.

Mrs. Choudhury Jyoshna Das, Founder, Bivabari Fashions Pvt Ltd and Convener, WTC Bhubaneswar Women Forum spoke about constructively exploring the potentials of the state. She deliberated on the nuances of modernization in the industry and the relevance of Digital Media in the growth of businesses. She remarked the need to uplift the indigenous products and promote the local weavers and artisans. 

Earlier in the session, Dr. Ambika Prasad Nanda, Head CSR, Odisha, Tata Steel gave a detailed introduction to the initiative by Tata Steel under the theme Udaan.

Mr. Rockey Martin, Unit Head, Tata Steel Gopalpur welcomed all the dignitaries and moderated the session.

Mr. Iswar Parida, Executive Officer, Tata Steel Rural Development Society proposed the vote of thanks..