Interstate Meet 2017 – 2018

FLO Ludhiana Chapter hosted a 3 day long Interstate Meet 2017 & Governing Body Meeting from 26th November to 29th November, which had a definite momentum with over 200 ladies entrepreneurs from across the country, members of 13 chapters of FICCI FLO, attending the event. This overwhelmingly positive response showed the active participation and contribution of female entrepreneurs in today’s world.

The open interactive sessions, exhibition (Vintage Punjab) of local products by the women entrepreneurs, visit to historical places in Amritsar like Fort Gobindgarh, Jalianwalan Bagh along with a visit to Partition Museum, interaction with celebrated personalities like Mr. Navjot Singh Siddhu (Minister of Local Government, Punjab, Ms. Deepa Sahi (actor, historian and restorer) and power couple of Ludhiana, Dr Tanveer Sachdev and Mr Parneet Sachdev (Principal Director Of Investigation Punjab and J&K) marked this well-organized event.

The visit to world famous Golden Temple, Amritsar introduced everyone to the history and religious importance of this magnificent Gurudwara which spreads the message of universal peace and brotherhood. The members especially from outside Punjab were impressed with the patriotic fervor shown by the soldiers and spectators alike, when they witnessed the Retreat Ceremony at the Wagah Border, Amritsar.

A book launch of two young girls from Ludhiana called ‘Shade of Silence’ got a chance to showcase their compilation of study on shades of a women’s life , Symbolically started as a Canvas with paint splashed on it, called Mess and ending as a fabulous video of Sarah’s Bharatanatyam dance sequence converted to a still slide called Harmony. This book is simultaneously uploaded and available on Amazon for sale.

The Governing Body Meet parallel to the exhibition was held under the able guidance of National president FLO Mrs. Vasvi Bharat Ram, FLO Ludhiana Chairperson Mrs Monika Choudhary, where each of the 13 chapters of FICCI FLO were represented by its Chairperson, Past Chairperson and Senior Vice Chairperson and other Governing Members. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss reports, evaluate performances of their year till now and plan for the coming months followed by a vision statement of each chapter and their commitment towards cause of women empowerment and thus a road to women entrepreneurship was paved and mapped to a satisfactory conclusion.

In the words of Ms. Vasvi Bharat Ram, “FLO will continue to work towards the inclusion of more women in the workforce through skilling initiatives in the fields of telecom, transport and e-commerce, initiatives for grassroots women, providing support to women entrepreneurs’ through Swayam which is our business consultancy cell, conducting directorship training and helping place women on Corporate Boards through the FLO Women Directors program. We will also expand and strengthen our initiatives to compliment Government programs like Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan and Make in India. We intend to work towards a more inclusive future and hope that our efforts will lead to effective and informed policy solutions that will empower women, make a positive impact and change many lives”

The highlight of this event was the presenting of the awards to the 8 women entrepreneurs acknowledging their contribution in the field of woman entrepreneurship. Local women entrepreneurs involved in making of phulkari, traditional ornaments, Punjabi traditional sweets and organic products got the chance to meet these women from across the country, resulting in getting their products an all India recognition and new markets.
The Interstate Meet held in Ludhiana Punjab, steered by Mrs Monika Choudhary, Chairperson FICCI FLO Ludhiana and Team FLO was a huge success and gave the local women entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their products and talent on vast national canvas.
As Mrs. Choudhary summed up beautifully, “This year, we were entrusted with the honour of hosting the interstate for FLO, which I am happy to state that with the help of my entire team, we were able to execute with precision and concluded it successfully.”