FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) virtually launched its 17th Chapter “FLO Bhubaneshwar Chapter” on April 18, 2020 during a webinar. Shri Suresh Prabhu, Prime Minister’s Sherpa to G7 and G20 launched the Chapter. Captain Dibya Shankar Mishra, Minister of state for Energy, Industries, MSME, Govt. of Odisha was also present during the launch.
While the nation is going through a public health crisis and is under lockdown, FLO is trying its best to support the government in tacking the situation by way of engaging continuously with the industry members and facilitating information sharing and at the same time providing relief and rehabilitation to the poor and vulnerable.
“It is important to adapt to the need of the times. Survival of the fittest being the mantra, whoever works in a thoughtful, adaptive, responsible and responsive manner will emerge as the winner. Hence this innovative way to launch our new Chapter at Bhubaneshwar,” said Harjinder Kaur Talwar, President FLO.
A webinar on Agricultural Rejuvenation in India was also a part of this session. Shri Suresh Prabhu highlighted on some pertinent aspects on the topic and said, “Agriculture is a very important sector as it supports majority of the population. It is important to rejuvenate agriculture sector to drive India’s economy. Without agriculture, we cannot have industry. Income of farmers will drive future economic growth. This will boost demand and increase purchasing power. We need to do more in this sector and rejuvenate it.”
Shri Prabhu also emphasized on the utilisation of Artificial Intelligence for agricultural rejuvenation by giving the right data inputs and added, “India is making huge strides in the various sub sectors of agriculture. We are ranked 1 in milk production, no 1 in fruits and vegetables and ranked amongst top 5 in wheat, pulses etc. We have to do more for Agricultural Rejuvenation and it has to focus on fundamental things- land, soil and water.”
Talking about the new Chapter, FLO President, Harjinder Kaur Talwar said, “FLO is thankful for the support received from the Government of Odisha and looks forward to various collaborative endeavours towards skill development and other activities for women empowerment not only in Bhubaneshwar but the entire state of Odisha. I look forward to work collectively towards nurturing the new chapter,” she added.
Captain Dibya Shankar Mishra, Minister of state for Energy , Industries, MSME, Govt. of Odisha was very excited by the launch of the FLO Chapter in the State of Odisha and said, ” We have always been the champions of the cause of women empowerment. With initiatives such as Mission Sakti, Start-Up Odisha, Skilled in Odisha, and many others., the growth of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and has helped in the financial empowerment of women in rural areas. I understand that the goals of Odisha government and FLO are in alignment to achieve economic development for women and therefore, we will help facilitate women-centric endeavours of this FLO. believe together, we have the power to empower the women of Odisha and wish the FICCI Ladies Organisation all the very best.”
The Bhubaneshwar Chapter is an addition to the 16 existing Chapters of FLO at Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Kanpur, Ludhiana, Mumbai, North East, Uttarakhand and Pune with its head office in Delhi.
With an intricate patchwork of history, fascinating tribal culture and natural coastal beauty, Odisha is has also emerged as a significant destination for investments. Being a pioneer in implementing the “Ease of Doing Business” framework through a robust single window clearance mechanism, it is one of the fastest growing states of India.
FLO endeavours to promote women entrepreneurs and professionals and assist them to grow professionally. The launch of this Chapter will help bring existing entrepreneurs, potentials entrepreneurs and other professionals under the FLO umbrella.
The Bhubaneshwar Chapter will aim at enhancing the capabilities of women through appropriate awareness, training and development programmes that enables women to contribute towards India’s socio-economic growth by fulfilling their individual potential.
Dharitri Patnaik, the Founder Director at Jivada Ventures Private Ltd. was announced as the first Chairperson of FLO Bhubaneshwar Chapter. In her acceptance speech, Ms Patnaik said “I am thankful to FLO for giving me this opportunity. Empowering women entrepreneurs is truly essential for achieving the goals of sustainable development of the nation in totality. Therefore, right efforts from all areas are required in the development of women entrepreneurs and their greater participation in the entrepreneurial activities. The Bhubaneshwar Chapter will work towards this direction and create the right thrust for women empowerment in the region.”
The web event was very well attended, with several dynamic women entrepreneurs and professionals from Odisha and also other pan India Chapters of FLO, besides the Presidium, Past Presidents & National Governing Body Members.
