Empowering Women through Self-Reliance: CM Yogi Gifts 1,001 Sewing Machines In a significant step toward women's empowerment and self-reliance, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently distributed 1,001 sewing machines to women associated with self-help groups. The event, organized by the JK Group at the iconic JK Temple in Kanpur, underscored the commitment of the state and supporting organizations to uplift women and encourage their active participation in the workforce. Building a Self-Reliant Nation CM Yogi highlighted the vital role of women in building a strong, self-reliant society. According to him, a nation cannot progress by sidelining half of its population. “If the society is not strong, it cannot be self-reliant,” he said, emphasizing that empowering women is crucial for realizing the vision of a resilient nation. He praised the JK Group for setting an example with the clean, beautiful, and well-managed JK Temple, reflecting the values of harmony and respect that the organization upholds. The distribution of sewing machines aims to support women in generating income, particularly in the apparel industry—a sector that can provide countless opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. CM Yogi noted that the government, through initiatives like Mission Shakti, is focused on creating safe, supportive environments that allow women to thrive independently. A Collective Initiative for Women Empowerment Abhishek Singhania, the director of JK Group, emphasized that no country could progress without empowering women. An educated and self-reliant woman, he remarked, is an ideal architect of society. With this in mind, JK Group’s decision to donate 1,001 sewing machines is both a symbol and a tool for change. It equips women to support themselves and contribute to the local economy, particularly in Uttar Pradesh's apparel sector. This initiative, in partnership with sewing machine manufacturer Singer India, also aligns with the district administration's efforts to provide training and skills development for women.