Kurumitha, Odisha, August 23, 2026: A new chapter in community empowerment began in Kurumitha, Odisha, with an auspicious Puja held ahead of the formal inauguration of a Women-Led Multi-Services Centre, bringing together around 45 women in prayer, celebration, and collective purpose.

The Puja was led by Bri. Namratamrita Chaitanya Ji and Bri. Rasikamrita Chaitanya Ji, marking the symbolic beginning of the Centre’s journey as a community-owned space designed to expand opportunities for women and strengthen access to essential services.

The occasion reflected the active participation and leadership of women from the local community. Women led bhajans, decorated the Centre with rangoli and traditional symbols, prepared and served a community meal, and participated in the concluding Arati.

Envisioned by the Center for Women’s Empowerment & Gender Equality (CWEGE), Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, the Centre brings together livelihood support, STEM and digital skills, essential services, technology, entrepreneurship, and women’s leadership under one roof.

A key feature of the initiative is its women-led operational model. Women from the local community will be trained to operate and maintain the Centre while developing digital, technical, and entrepreneurial skills. The initiative will also strengthen collective leadership through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), enabling women to participate actively in the management and long-term sustainability of the Centre.

Designed as a sustainable and community-owned space, the Centre is expected to serve approximately 600 people, including around 300 women. By combining skills development with access to technology and essential services, it aims to create opportunities that extend beyond individual beneficiaries and contribute to the wider development of the community.

The Centre is envisioned as a space where women can grow as service providers, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and community leaders, while also helping bridge gaps in access to digital technologies, livelihood opportunities, and essential services.

As the Centre moves towards its formal inauguration, the gathering at Kurumitha marks more than the opening of a physical space. It represents the beginning of a community-driven model in which women are positioned at the centre of skill development, service delivery, entrepreneurship, and local leadership.

Designed and implemented by Amrita CWEGE, with support from LG, the initiative reflects a commitment to creating sustainable, technology-enabled opportunities that empower women and strengthen communities.