In Bharat Vikas Parishad, “Rakhi Nirman for Atmanirbharata” is a self-reliance and women empowerment initiative in which women, girls, and economically weaker families are encouraged and trained to make handmade Rakhis before the festival of Raksha Bandhan.
The programme reflects the Parishad’s belief that: “Cultural traditions can also become instruments of dignity, self-employment, and social empowerment.”
“Rakhi Nirman for Atmanirbharata is Bharat Vikas Parishad’s initiative to combine Indian tradition with women empowerment, creativity, and self-reliance.”
The programme combines skill development, self-employment, promotion of Swadeshi products, cultural values, and economic empowerment.
Participants learn to create and sell handmade rakhis so they can:
Earn supplementary income
Develop confidence and entrepreneurial skills
Reduce financial dependency
The initiative especially benefits:
Homemakers
Widows
Women from basti or rural areas
Self-help groups
Young girls and students
It creates opportunities for home-based income generation.
The programme promotes:
Indigenous handmade products
Indian creativity and craftsmanship
Environment-friendly and traditional rakhis
Cultural pride associated with Raksha Bandhan
Participants are trained in:
Rakhi designing
Decorative craft work
Packaging and presentation
Small-scale marketing and sales
Rakhi Nirman activities also:
Create community bonding
Encourage teamwork and creativity
Instil dignity of labour and self-confidence
Demonstrations by trainers or skilled volunteers
Hands-on rakhi-making sessions
Threads, beads, decorative items, and eco-friendly materials
Organising stalls or exhibitions
Selling handmade rakhis during Raksha Bandhan
Promoting “Vocal for Local” spirit
Best handmade rakhi competitions
Encouragement certificates for participants
Some branches also connect the activity with:
Eco-friendly rakhis
Rakhi for soldiers
Rakhi distribution in orphanages or old-age homes
Social harmony campaigns