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Gurugram, March 18, 2026.<\/strong>\u00a0Women from rural communities across India shared inspiring stories of transformation at the READ Summit 2026, organized by READ India at Sector 45, Gurugram. These grassroots leaders highlighted how access to community libraries, books, digital tools, and skill-based training has helped them build their identity and achieve self-reliance.<\/p>\n Women participants explained that by learning through READ India\u2019s initiatives\u2014ranging from reading habits to computer and vocational training\u2014they have not only improved their own lives but are now empowering other women in their communities to become skilled and independent.<\/p>\n Empowering Grassroots Voices<\/strong><\/p>\n Addressing the inaugural session, READ India CEO\u00a0Dr. Geeta Malhotra<\/strong>\u00a0said the Summit aims to bring grassroots women and their skills to the forefront of development dialogue. The platform brought together grassroots leaders, development experts, CSR representatives, policy specialists, and institutional partners to discuss community-led development models and the importance of skill-based empowerment through technology.<\/p>\n For the past 15 years, READ India has been working to strengthen women\u2019s leadership capacity through community libraries and technology-driven programs. The organization currently operates\u00a065 community centres across 13 states<\/strong>, focusing on literacy, ICT, early childhood development, women empowerment, youth development, health, and holistic development.<\/p>\n Dr. Malhotra noted that in the early days, women were hesitant to visit libraries, but gradual introduction of computer education and skill-based programs led to significant participation. So far,\u00a0over 55,000 women<\/strong>\u00a0have received training through READ India\u2019s community libraries and have established their identity at the community level.<\/p>\n READ India\u2019s mission advances literacy and learning, aligning with Viksit Bharat 2047 by empowering rural populace and driving national development.<\/p>\n Building Sustainable Community Development<\/strong><\/p>\n Founder Trustee\u00a0J. Vikram Bakshi<\/strong>\u00a0emphasized that sustainable development cannot rely solely on policy frameworks. Instead, leadership emerging from within communities-especially through women-is key to long-term transformation.<\/p>\n Prof.\u00a0Sampadananda Mishra<\/strong>, Director at Rishihood University\u2019s Centre for Human Sciences, highlighted the importance of reconnecting with cultural roots and values, stating that initiatives like READ India are helping bring traditional knowledge systems to rural areas with visible positive outcomes.<\/p>\n Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)<\/strong><\/p>\n READ India\u2019s Director \u2013 Partnerships,\u00a0Smita Rai<\/strong>, stated that the Summit aligned the organization\u2019s work with the\u00a05P framework of the SDGs\u2014People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnerships<\/strong>, demonstrating how grassroots initiatives contribute to inclusive and sustainable development.<\/p>\n Key Highlights of the Summit<\/strong><\/p>\n Women Artisans Take Centre Stage<\/strong><\/p>\n A special ramp walk showcased handcrafted products made by women artisans trained through READ India. Participants walked the ramp wearing their own creations, receiving appreciation from attendees. The initiative aimed to promote creativity, skills, and entrepreneurship among rural women.<\/p>\n Focus on Aspirational Districts<\/strong><\/p>\n Under the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) launched by NITI Aayog, READ India is working in underdeveloped districts like Latur and Beed (Maharashtra), Nuh (Haryana), and Baran (Rajasthan), focusing on health, education, agriculture, financial inclusion, and infrastructure.<\/p>\n Report Released at the Summit<\/strong><\/p>\n A report titled\u00a0\u201cGrassroots Initiative with Community First Approach\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0was released during the event, highlighting READ India\u2019s community-driven development model and its impact.<\/p>\n \n Recognition of Grassroots Leaders<\/strong><\/p>\n Grassroots leaders from across the country were honored during the Summit. Niti Saxena was presented with the\u00a0Satkal Lifetime Achievement Award<\/em>. Meanwhile, Swati Piwal, Dr. Upasana Yadav, and Arumugam Pitchai were awarded the\u00a0Satkal Award<\/em>\u00a0for excellence in library management.<\/p>\n \n Participation from Across India<\/strong><\/p>\n Grassroots leaders from multiple regions including Uttar Pradesh (Lakhimpur Kheri, Rampur, Lucknow), Rajasthan (Baran, Geejgarh), Maharashtra (Aurangabad, Latur, Beed, Kolhapur, Pune), Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, West Bengal, Delhi, and Noida participated in the Summit.<\/p>\n The event concluded with a vote of thanks by\u00a0Smita Rai<\/strong>, Director \u2013 Partnerships, READ India.<\/p>\n Featured Article<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Gurugram, March 18, 2026.\u00a0Women from rural communities across India shared inspiring stories of transformation at the READ Summit 2026, organized by READ India at Sector 45, Gurugram. These grassroots leaders highlighted how access to community libraries, books, digital tools, and skill-based training has helped them build their identity and achieve self-reliance. Women participants explained that …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[131],"tags":[32024],"class_list":["post-65906","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","","category-regional","tag-read-summit"],"yoast_head":"\n\n