A United Nations accredited global charity, the Loomba Foundation distributed 1244 sewing machines to widows in Varanasi on February 14. Part of an empowerment project for 5000 widows, the last phase was part of a project for the organisation that was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 2016. The Varanasi Scheme, as it is called, is the largest project undertaken by the Loomba Foundation so far.
5000 widows were successfully trained, and received a foot-operated 'Singer' sewing machine free of charge, from the charity. The last 1244 beneficiaries of the project were presented the machines at an event at the famous Benaras Hindu University, in the presence of MP Ram Charitra Nishad, Mayor of Varanasi Mridula Jaiswal, BKP District President of Varanasi Hansraj Vishwakarma, and Founder and Chairman of Shoshit Seva Sangh JK Sinha. Founder and Chairman Trustee of the Loomba Foundation, Lord Raj Loomba spoke at the event.
He said, “I am grateful to the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Mr Narendra Modi for supporting us on the project. It is another milestone in our journey to help widows and their children in India. The Loomba Foundation's team in India, including Atul Palta, Pawan Kumar, and Hemant Kumar, have worked tirelessly over the last two years to complete this project.”
Nishad congratulated Lord Loomba on completion of the plan. He appealed to the beneficiaries to use the sewing machine and earn money. Nishad added that it was great opportunity that they must not waste. “This large project will not only help 5000 widows in Varanasi, but also inspire other organisations to support many more widows in our holy city.”
Mridula Jaiswal said, “I am very pleased to meet so many widows who have been supported by the Loomba Foundation. I appreciate the efforts made by Lord and Lady Loomba to help the widows in my city.”
