The Loomba Foundation, a United Nations-accredited global NGO that focuses exclusively on the cause of widow empowerment has distributed 424 sewing machines to widows across 30 different training centers in Varanasi.
The Loomba Foundation’s commitment is to empower 5,000 widows of Varanasi. Dr Awadhesh Singh, MLA, Pindra (Varanasi) was the chief guest at an event organized by The Loomba Foundation. The event was attended by around 250 widows and other guests.
Dr Awadhesh Singh said, “I am touched by the strong sense of purpose that is evident in this initiative undertaken by The Loomba Foundation to ensure that poor widows can lead a life of dignity and respect.”
Speaking at the event, Atul Palta, Director – Skills Training and Empowerment, The Loomba Foundation said, “There are estimated 46 million widows in India. Most of them live in rural areas. They are uneducated and cannot find a job. They are dependable on their families and communities, who often abuse them physically, psychologically and sexually.”
Mr Palta feels that the Government of India should help widows as a matter of priority as it an issue that needs to be urgently addressed. In the light of recent communication from the Supreme Court to the Government regarding improving the state of widows in India –
The Loomba Foundation feels strongly that the government should consider the recommendations given by our Founder and Chairman, Lord Raj Loomba CBE, which are: Set up a National Commission for Widows; Appoint a person in the Panchayats who is responsible for the well being of widows in towns and villages; and give a minority status to widows.
The Loomba Foundation is celebrating its 20th anniversary and has been the crusader for the welfare of poor widows and their children around the world. It is assisting over 15,000 impoverished widows in nine states, and has sponsored five-year-long education scholarships for more than 10,000 children of poor widows, supporting more than 60,000 of their family members across the entire country.
