Kendrapada: In a momentous celebration of skill and potential, Finolex Industries Limited (FIL), its long-standing CSR partner Mukul Madhav Foundation (MMF), and Action Aid came together to host a transformative felicitation ceremony, honoring 47 students who successfully completed their plumbing training programs at ITI Pattamundai.
The event marked a significant milestone in a decade-long partnership between Finolex and MMF, highlighting their commitment to creating sustainable entrepreneurial opportunities.
Action Aid, a renowned international development organization, has been instrumental in amplifying the social impact of this program. Through their collaborative grassroots approach, the partnership has created a robust ecosystem for skill development and economic empowerment in rural Odisha.
Sumit Bhatia, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Finolex, eloquently captured the essence of their mission: “Plumbing is more than a technical skill—it’s a gateway to entrepreneurship and economic independence. We’re not just training individuals; we’re creating micro-entrepreneurs who can transform their local economies.”
The plumbing program represents a strategic intervention in a sector with significant entrepreneurial potential. By providing comprehensive training that goes beyond technical skills to include business fundamentals, Finolex is nurturing a new generation of skilled entrepreneurs. Graduates are equipped not just with plumbing expertise, but with the knowledge to start their own businesses, secure employment in diverse sectors, or become valuable assets in construction, infrastructure, and home improvement industries.
The collaborative project between FIL, MMF, and Action Aid has created meaningful opportunities in Kendrapada, empowering 72 women entrepreneurs across 10 villages. The project’s impact is tangible: 442 families connected to social security schemes, 30 youth provided with skill development and job opportunities, and 10 women’s collectives established with 265 members.
These women have found success in innovative ventures like incense stick and phenyl production, while local youth have secured positions in diverse sectors including hospitality and exports. The plumbing program adds another dimension to this entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing high-demand skills with significant market potential.
Mukul Madhav Foundation, celebrating a decade of partnership with Finolex, has been pivotal in driving these transformative initiatives. Over the past ten years, the foundation has worked closely with Finolex to design and implement programs that go beyond traditional corporate social responsibility, focusing on creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. Looking ahead, FIL remains committed to nurturing talent, bridging skill gaps, and creating ecosystems where individual potential can flourish. This ongoing mission goes beyond corporate social responsibility—it’s about building a more inclusive, skilled, and empowered society, one graduate at a time.
