Held across 4 districts of
Rajasthan and Rudrapur District of Uttarakhand, the Sakhi Utsav brought
together rural & tribal women from across the operational areas of
Hindustan Zinc.
Hindustan Zinc Limited, the
world's largest integrated zinc producer, recently concluded Sakhi Utsav 2025
with grand celebrations across its operational regions in Rajasthan and
Uttarakhand. The company’s flagship social impact initiative, Sakhi, aimed at
mobilizing and empowering rural women has benefitted the lives of more than
25,000 women from the state through various employment and credit-linkage
opportunities. Held at five key districts namely Udaipur, Bhilwara,
Chittorgarh, Rajsamand in Rajasthan and Rudrapur in Uttarakhand, the initiative
engaged over 7,000 participants, including Sakhi women, local community
members, officials, and school students. The Utsav showcased the growing
strength of women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) through a series of exhibitions,
awareness drives, and cultural performances.
The celebration culminated
with Sakhi Fest 2025, a flagship public event hosted in Zinc City, Udaipur. The
fest brought together rural and urban audiences in a vibrant showcase of
Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage through the lens of empowered women.
Activities included live skill demonstrations, storytelling zones, financial
literacy sessions, and youth-led awareness programs. From local crafts and
processed foods to community melas and traditional performances, Sakhi Fest
exemplified the creative and entrepreneurial dynamism of rural women driving
change at the grassroots.
“Sakhi women are not just
community leaders, they are changemakers redefining rural India,” said Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc.
“Their resilience, entrepreneurial energy, and social commitment form the
foundation of our vision for inclusive growth. Sakhi Utsav is a testament to
the power of collective progress, where women lead from the front. Investing in
their potential is central to Hindustan Zinc’s belief that empowered women are
the backbone of resilient, self-reliant communities, and for us, Sakhi Utsav is
a testament to our long-standing commitment to drive sustainable, long-term
development across the regions we serve.”
Across all locations, Sakhi
Utsav featured a wide range of engaging activities. Women participated in
sports competitions like tug of war, running races, and musical chairs,
bringing energy and camaraderie to the events. Powerful street plays by Sakhi
members addressed themes such as gender equality and social taboos, while
cultural performances celebrated folk traditions from Rajasthan and Uttarakhand.
Skill exhibitions showcased handmade textiles, spices, pickles, and more,
highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit of the SHGs. Interactive quiz contests
on government schemes, SHG awareness, and general knowledge added an element of
learning and confidence-building.
Through a network of over
2,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Sakhi uplifts women to break stereotypes,
driving social and economic progress in their communities. Sakhi has also been
instrumental in fostering economic empowerment. Beyond financial empowerment,
Sakhi is a movement fostering a new narrative of self-reliance and social
change. Women, driven by their strength and determination, are becoming
architects of progress, breaking barriers, and uplifting entire communities.
Beyond women empowerment,
Hindustan Zinc has been a strong force in promoting quality education for all,
sustainable livelihood opportunities, healthcare access, arts & culture,
water conservation & sanitation, supporting grassroots football talent, art
& culture impacting over 20 lakh lives across nearly 4,000 villages. Ranked
among India’s top 10 CSR companies, Hindustan Zinc’s initiatives reflect its
commitment to building a resilient, self-sufficient Rajasthan that champions
inclusivity, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
