JAMMU, Oct 24: FICCI FLO Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh (JKL), in collaboration with the Mukul Madhav Foundation, organised a bicycle distribution initiative at Government School, Khana Chargal, to support girl students from rural communities and promote continued access to education.
The initiative seeks to address one of the everyday challenges faced by girl students in rural areas—commuting to school. By providing bicycles, the programme aims to make their journey safer and more convenient, encourage regular attendance, and enable them to pursue their education with greater confidence and independence. The initiative reflects the shared vision of working towards a better tomorrow by creating opportunities for every girl child. This effort is especially significant as it was undertaken in a rural area where access to basic transportation is limited and it is very difficult for students to even obtain bicycles.
The programme was graced by Priya Sethi, former Minister and Vice President, BJP Jammu & Kashmir, as the Chief Guest. Varsha Bansal, Chairperson, FICCI FLO JKL; Rupika Sai, Senior Vice Chairperson; and Sona Mehta were present on behalf of the FLO JKL leadership. The school was represented by its Principal, Anita Sharma, while the Mukul Madhav Foundation was represented by Aman Mishra.
The initiative was supported through the CSR efforts of Finolex Industries, with which the Mukul Madhav Foundation is associated for its CSR initiatives. The programme reflects the importance of meaningful corporate social responsibility in addressing grassroots educational needs and supporting the empowerment of the girl child. Ms. Ritu Chhabria has been associated with this endeavour.
Speaking on the occasion, Varsha Bansal, Chairperson, FICCI FLO JKL, said, “Supporting the education of the girl child is an investment in a stronger and more equitable future. A bicycle may appear to be a simple intervention, but for a girl student in a rural area, where it is very difficult to even get a bicycle, it can remove a significant barrier to education, improve mobility, and strengthen her confidence. Through initiatives such as this, we hope to contribute to a better tomorrow where every girl has the opportunity to learn, grow, and realise her potential.”
Priya Sethi, former Minister and Vice President, BJP Jammu & Kashmir, said, “The empowerment of the girl child begins with ensuring access to education and creating the conditions that enable her to continue her studies. This initiative is a thoughtful step towards supporting girls from rural communities, especially in an area where it is very difficult to even get bicycles, and encouraging them to pursue their aspirations. I commend FICCI FLO JKL, the Mukul Madhav Foundation, and Finolex Industries for their commitment to this important cause.”
FICCI FLO JKL remains committed to promoting inclusive development through initiatives that empower communities, support education, and create opportunities for the girl child, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Through this collaboration, FICCI FLO JKL and the Mukul Madhav Foundation, with the support of Finolex Industries through its CSR efforts, reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a future where every girl child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and realise her potential.