Disha Programme Celebrates 620 Rural Women Leaders at XLRI

Tata Steel Foundation Honours Women Completing Leadership Training Across Six Units

Key Points:

• 620 women from Jamshedpur, Noamundi, West Bokaro, Jamadoba, Joda and Kalinganagar graduate
• Over 5,500 women have received leadership training since 2021-22 launch
• Programme aims to empower 6,000 women as community change agents

JAMSHEDPUR – Tata Steel Foundation organized a convocation ceremony at XLRI Auditorium celebrating 620 rural women leaders who completed leadership training under the Disha programme across six operational units.

MLA Purnima Das Sahu from Jamshedpur East attended as chief guest. D.B. Sundara Raman, Vice President (Corporate Services) at Tata Steel and Director of Tata Steel Foundation, was present. His wife Shailaja Sundara Raman also attended as special guest.

The ceremony honored graduates from six units. These included Jamshedpur, Noamundi and West Bokaro. Moreover, women from Jamadoba, Joda and Kalinganagar participated.

Tata Steel Foundation launched Disha in fiscal year 2021-22. The flagship programme targets women from disadvantaged communities. It aims to establish them as active leaders.

The training develops confidence through structured modules. In addition, it enhances collective working capabilities. The programme guides social, economic and political transformation.

The foundation has trained over 5,500 women till date. However, 3,729 women have participated in convocation ceremonies. The organisation targets preparing 6,000 women as change agents.

“We feel proud seeing rural women leading transformation,” Sundara Raman said. “Hard work and determination have strengthened women’s dedication.”

He added that Disha recognized women’s potential. On the other hand, it enabled them to realize leadership capabilities. The programme operates across Jharkhand and Odisha.

The convocation adopted the theme “Enlightened and Equitable Society”. Besides celebrating completion, it honored women’s dedication. The event provided a platform for sharing experiences.

Graduates shared their inspirational stories during the ceremony. Furthermore, they discussed their future aspirations. A dialogue session was conducted with Disha leaders.

The programme reflects persistence and transformation spirit. Meanwhile, it strengthens women’s participation in grassroots development. The initiative continues empowering leadership skills at community level.

Sundara Raman expressed gratitude towards communities supporting the journey. “Communities have advanced this transformation journey with us,” he stated.