Sadhna Swavlambi Sahkarita of Pauri district headquarters will be honoured with the prestigious Atmanirbhar Sangathan Puraskar – 2024 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this year’s Independence Day. The recognition highlights the cooperative’s significant contribution to empowering rural women and promoting self-reliance.
Established near Pauri block, the cooperative’s popular “Didi Café” has become a model of success. Run by local women, the café serves traditional Garhwali cuisine to locals and tourists alike, offering a sustainable source of livelihood and a platform for women’s empowerment.
The café was set up in 2021 through the combined efforts of NRLM, Himmothan Society, and Tata Trusts. Among six cluster-level federations formed in the block, Sadhna Swavlambi Cooperative stood out for its effective livelihood promotion model.
Beyond the café, 206 women of the federation also manage a dairy unit, collecting milk daily. Since 2023, the café alone has generated an income of ₹9 lakh, with a net profit of ₹3.2 lakh. Cooperative president Manju Devi expressed gratitude for departmental support and credited her team’s dedication for this national recognition.
