Hon’ble Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurating the Shrimad Rajchandra Sarvamangal Centre of Excellence for Women in Dharampur.
Dharampur (Gujarat) [India], January 5: Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur witnessed a significant moment of national and spiritual confluence with the visit of Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Defence Minister of India. The visit underscored shared values of service, empowerment, and holistic nation-building, rooted in compassion and purpose.
Accompanied by Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji (Founder of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur), Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Shrimad Rajchandra Sarvamangal Centre of Excellence for Women (SRCOEW), a pioneering initiative aimed at advancing rural women’s empowerment through integrated skilling, livelihood creation, health, and social development. The inauguration marked an important step towards addressing the structural challenges faced by rural women across India.
As part of the visit, the Hon’ble Defence Minister also participated in a tree plantation at the campus, symbolising sustainability, growth, and long-term stewardship of society and the environment.
A Sacred and Thoughtful Engagement
Shri Rajnath Singh offered reverence at Shri Mahavir Praasad Jinmandir at Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram, Dharampur, reflecting the Mission’s spiritual foundations.This was followed by a formal welcome at the Raj Sabhagruh, where the gathering came together from across the globe.
The assembly was addressed by Senior Sanyasi Atmarpit Nemiji, Vice President of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission, Dharampur, and Personal Secretary to Pujya Gurudevshri. Shri Rajnath Singh also addressed the audience, speaking of the inspiring life and teachings of Shrimad Rajchandraji, Pujya Gurudevshri’s steadfast commitment to spiritual and societal upliftment and the Mission’s benevolent initiatives.
The occasion was further graced by the presence of Shri Nareshbhai Patel, Hon’ble Minister of Tribal Development, Khadi, Cottage and Rural Industries, Gujarat; Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Hon’ble Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Maharashtra; and Shri Dhavalbhai Patel, Lok Sabha Whip and Member of Parliament from Valsad.
Addressing a Critical National Need
Rural women form the backbone of India’s economy, yet more than half remain outside the formal workforce, and nearly 87% lack access to structured skilling opportunities. In underserved regions, limited access to education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and government schemes, combined with entrenched social barriers, restrict women’s economic and personal growth.
The Shrimad Rajchandra Sarvamangal Centre of Excellence for Women has been conceived as a response to these interconnected challenges, offering a comprehensive and scalable model of empowerment that bridges economic, social, and cultural gaps.
A Focused Model for Rural Women’s Empowerment
The Shrimad Rajchandra Sarvamangal Centre of Excellence for Women has been conceived to address key barriers faced by rural women, including limited access to skills, livelihoods, healthcare, and institutional support.
Located on an 11-acre campus in Dharampur, the Centre brings together:
- Structured skilling and digital literacy programmes
- Employment-linked livelihood opportunities through a women-led social enterprise
- Platforms for Self-Help Groups, community engagement, and government scheme linkages
- On-site health, childcare, and wellness facilities to enable sustained participation
Designed to work across education, health, and livelihoods, the Centre aims to support women’s transition towards economic independence, leadership, and long-term wellbeing.
Regional Impact with a National Vision
In Valsad district, where a large rural population depends on informal and low-income livelihoods, the Centre is expected to strengthen household incomes, improve access to services, and support community-led development. Over time, the Centre is envisioned as a replicable national model, anchoring future centres across India and contributing to women-led rural transformation at scale.
A Meaningful Confluence
The visit underscored Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur’s enduring approach to social upliftment, rooted in spirituality, guided by service, and focused on measurable impact. The inauguration of the Centre stands as a step towards more inclusive and resilient communities, driven by empowered women.
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