APL Apollo Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of APL Apollo Group, has unveiled Project Aarohi as part of its Tejaswini program for women empowerment. With the support of APL Apollo Tubes Ltd, Project Aarohi aims to provide vocational training in the beautician trade and beauty parlour management to over 50 girls and women from underserved communities in East Delhi slum areas. The goal is to equip them with the necessary skills to become self-reliant and independent individuals.
Recognizing the significant growth potential of the Indian beauty and wellness sector, projected to reach INR 5 lakh crore by 2032, Project Aarohi has carefully developed its curriculum. It takes into account the industry's growth, community needs, and the specific requirements of women seeking both wage employment and opportunities for self-employment.
According to Mrs Neera Gupta, Director of APL Apollo Foundation, many women are hindered from entering the workforce or starting their ventures due to social and cultural barriers, lack of skills, financial resources, and limited networking opportunities. In response, Project Aarohi has created a customized beautician skill training curriculum. The foundation aims to develop a group of empowered women who can not only achieve self-reliance but also contribute to the growth of the beauty and wellness sector. They believe that these women will make a positive impact on their families, communities, and society by promoting education and economic independence.
Mr Sanjay Gupta, Chairman of APL Apollo Group, reaffirms the organization's commitment to inclusive growth and community development, with a specific focus on women empowerment. Providing skill training to women not only enables them to earn a livelihood but also empowers them socially and financially. Mr Gupta believes that Project Aarohi will bring about significant on-ground transformations for the betterment of the entire community by harnessing the untapped potential of women.
In addition to a comprehensive 4.5-month basic course, beneficiaries of Project Aarohi will receive advanced training in areas such as Bridal Make-up, Nail Art, Mehndi Application, Hairstyling, and more, facilitated by industry experts. The program also offers coaching for employability and conducts mock interview sessions specifically tailored for those interested in wage employment. Soft skills, client handling, personal hygiene, entrepreneurship, inventory management, customer engagement, social media management, digital and financial literacy, internships, and on-the-job training are also provided. Regular experience sharing, upskilling guidance, and information exchange are facilitated through alumni network groups, apps, and physical meetings.
Formed in 2022, APL Apollo Foundation is the CSR arm of APL Apollo Group Companies in India. As a value-driven, not-for-profit Section 8 company, the foundation is dedicated to fulfilling its CSR vision in line with the National Priorities and United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Foundation focuses on various development goals such as education, health, livelihoods, skilling, entrepreneurship, environment, rural development, women empowerment, sports, and disaster management.
The Tejaswini Programme, as part of the APL Apollo Foundation, concentrates on women's empowerment through education, skills development, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. By aligning with the SDG targets of ensuring quality education, gender equality, decent work, reduced inequalities, and poverty eradication, the program strives to achieve social and financial inclusion for the beneficiaries, their families, and the communities. Project Aarohi marks the first step in this important journey towards a more equitable future.
'Bridging the Skill Gap, Beauty-Fully' is a comprehensive skill-gap study conducted by the Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC) and KPMG. Published in March 2023, it provides detailed analysis and insights into the need for skilled individuals in the beauty and wellness industry until 2030. The study emphasizes the importance of initiatives like Project Aarohi in addressing this demand and creating opportunities for growth