Odisha Skill Development Authority Unveils ‘Microeconomics, Macro Impact’ Coffee Table Book

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA) unveiled its much-anticipated Coffee Table Book titled ‘Microeconomics, Macro Impact’ during the NUA Odisha Global Summit on Growth & Employment 2024. The prestigious book launch was graced by eminent personalities including Smt. Alka Misra, Chairperson, OSDA; Usha Padhee, IAS, Principal Secretary, Skill Development & Technical Education Department, Government of Odisha; and Sujata R. Karthikeyan, IAS, Department of Mission Shakti, Government of Odisha.

The Coffee Table Book narrates the inspiring and transformative stories of nano-entrepreneurs who have successfully launched and scaled their businesses with the support of the Swakalpa program, an initiative by OSDA in collaboration with the World Skill Center, Asian Development Bank, and Palladium India as the implementation partner. Through captivating narratives and vibrant visuals, the book showcases the resilience and determination of individuals who have translated their entrepreneurial dreams into reality, fostering micro-economies with a significant macro impact.

During the book launch, Smt. Alka Misra commended the Swakalpa candidates present and emphasized, “The vision of the Odisha Skill Development Authority is to position Odisha as a global talent hub, transcending aspirations. Swakalpa is a cornerstone of this vision, dedicated to empowering nano-enterprises through self-employment training and personalized mentorship. Our commitment is to integrate these small businesses into our thriving ecosystem, nurturing them into self-sustainable brands.”

Swakalpa is a self-employment training and entrepreneurship skill development program designed to equip ambitious youth with the necessary skills and knowledge, establishing at least 1,000 micro-businesses in Odisha, with a minimum 25% representation of women. The program offers 100 hours of entrepreneurship skills training and 24 weeks of personalized mentoring to candidates who have previously undergone skill training in the state.

Mr. Sandeep Lanjewar, Director, Palladium India, expressed his appreciation for the Coffee Table Book, stating, “Every nano-entrepreneur story in this book serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating that with the right mentorship, resources, and entrepreneurial mindset, individuals can carve their path to success. These stories are not just about economic achievements but also about the profound impact on social dynamics, cultural preservation, and the empowerment of local communities.”

The narratives featured in the book predominantly focus on the journeys of women entrepreneurs who have made significant strides in sectors such as beauty, food processing, handicrafts, and handloom. The stories highlight the diversity, resilience, and entrepreneurial acumen of women contributing not only to economic growth but also to social change in their communities.

To date, the Swakalpa program has reached 26 districts in Odisha, enrolling over 8,500 candidates, with a remarkable 72% representation of women. The initiative has successfully onboarded over 750 mentees and facilitated the establishment of over 200 businesses in six sectors, spanning 40 distinct trades.

Amit Patjoshi, CEO of Palladium India, congratulated OSDA and team Palladium on the book launch, emphasizing, “Swakalpa isn’t just about building entrepreneurs; it’s a commitment to inclusive growth that recognizes the untapped potential and aspirations of those at the grassroots level. By providing the right support, we are cultivating the seeds of holistic socio-economic growth. As we celebrate our achievements, we do so with a deep sense of responsibility and a keen understanding that the road ahead is marked by continuous learning.”