In a village near the Line of Control in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, one hundred and forty women are building self-reliance by establishing a center to manufacture the Indian national flag with the assistance of the Indian Army. Recognized by the name Flag Women of Kupwara, this group began as a cooperative society in April 2022 and receives strong backing and encouragement from the military.
A New Story of Self-Reliance
A senior Army official stated that the society operates twelve skill development centers where one hundred and forty women from various parts of Kupwara are employed. He explained that the organization is known for its intricate handcrafts and the specific Ashoka Chakra created through hand stitching and embroidery on the national flag. This unique feature distinguishes their flags from others available in the market. The official added that the center also produces special hand-embroidered linen garments native to Kashmir.
PM Modi Mentioned Them in Mann Ki Baatein
The official noted that since its establishment in 2022, the group has supplied more than 4,500 flags of varying sizes for the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign as well as occasions like Independence Day and Republic Day. Their efforts received formal recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who mentioned them during his monthly radio broadcast Mann Ki Baat.
Products Listed on Government E-Marketplace
Due to the commercial success of the items crafted by these women, their products have been listed on the Government E-Marketplace portal, which has increased their prospects of securing more work. The Army official stated that every single item sold empowers these women, ensures their economic growth, and helps them live with dignity and self-respect.
Thirty Families Sustain Livelihoods From Trehgam Center
Social activist Sheikh Jamsheed remarked that the Army is not only guarding the borders but also continuously focusing on women empowerment. Jamsheed stated that mothers and sisters are crafting flags at the center operated in Trehgam, where they were first provided training before the Indian Army set up a dedicated facility. Since then, about thirty families have sustained their livelihoods through flag-making work. He added that the Indian Army consistently leads the way, whether in training women as radio jockeys or providing safe alternative platforms for them.
Entire North Kashmir Should Benefit From the Initiative
Human rights activist Tauseef Ahmad War praised the Army's efforts while expressing a desire for these initiatives to expand beyond a single region. He stated that the advantage should reach the rest of North Kashmir and similar programs ought to be launched everywhere so that people can become aware of these welfare steps and benefit from them.
