The Department of Home Science and Fashion Designing, Swami Premanand Mahavidyalaya, Mukerian, organised a three-day Rakhi Making Workshop aimed at providing students with hands-on vocational training, nurturing their creativity and equipping them with entrepreneurial and income-generating skills.

Prof. Harpreet Kaur, Head, Department of Home Science and Fashion Designing, said that the workshop offered students an engaging and practical learning experience. During the workshop, students were trained in designing and preparing a diverse range of eco-friendly, handmade and hand-painted clay rakhis, fancy rakhis and beautifully embroidered rakhis. They also learnt the art of creating handmade jewellery, gaining practical knowledge of designing, embellishment, colour coordination, finishing and presentation.

A major focus of the workshop was to go beyond conventional classroom learning and equip students with practical skills that can be transformed into livelihood opportunities. The initiative sought to encourage students to channel their creativity and craftsmanship into entrepreneurial ventures and embrace the concept of “Earn While You Learn.” By acquiring skills that can be developed into small-scale businesses, students were motivated to become more confident, self-reliant and financially independent.

The workshop also highlighted the significance of sustainability and environmentally responsible practices. Through training in the preparation of handmade and eco-friendly rakhis, students were encouraged to make conscious choices regarding materials while exploring innovative ways of developing attractive, creative and marketable products.

As a follow-up to the workshop, the college will provide students with an opportunity to display and sell their handmade products at a dedicated stall during the upcoming Teej Fest. This initiative will offer them first-hand exposure to various aspects of entrepreneurship, including product presentation, pricing, marketing, customer interaction and sales. Such practical exposure will help bridge the gap between skill acquisition and real-world application, enabling students to understand how their creativity and talents can be transformed into sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Appreciating the initiative, Principal Dr. Sameer Sharma said that the workshop reflects the college’s commitment to skill-based education, experiential learning and the holistic development of students. He emphasised that by creating opportunities for students to learn, create, exhibit and sell, the institution is encouraging them to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and take confident steps towards self-employment.

The workshop was conducted under the able guidance of Prof. Harpreet Kaur, Head, Department of Home Science and Fashion Designing, with the dedicated support of Ms. Harpreet K. Ankita (Fashion Designing) and Ms. Jyoti. Their expertise and committed efforts ensured that students gained meaningful practical experience in the complete process of designing, creating and finishing handmade products.

The successful organisation of the workshop reflects the college’s continued endeavour to empower students with creativity, vocational competence, confidence and entrepreneurial skills, preparing them not only to seek employment but also to create opportunities for themselves and others.

The organising department expressed its gratitude to the SPN College Management Committee and Principal Dr. Sameer Sharma for their valuable support and encouragement in successfully conducting the workshop.