The Darjeeling Welfare Society (DWS) on Sunday hosted senior representatives from the Gates Foundation at Peshok Tea Estate for a detailed review of its livelihood project being implemented across seven tea gardens in the region. The initiative, executed by Grant Thornton Bharat, aims to support families in tea-growing areas through alternative income-generation activities.
During the field visit, the delegation interacted with beneficiaries from Peshok, Panighatta, Makaibari, Moonda Kotee, Mangarjung, Samrikpani, and Ambootia tea estates. They inspected several key components of the project, including a demonstration plot, a nursery unit, oyster mushroom cultivation, and a dalle paste processing centre. Women entrepreneurs shared how the project had boosted their confidence, skills and financial independence. The initiative is also linked to the National Rural Livelihood Mission.
A major highlight was the emergence of Gharelu Origins, a community enterprise formed under the project. Its products recently received strong appreciation at the Saras Aajeevika Mela in New Delhi, alongside the launch of its website and product catalogue. DWS President and MP Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla said the programme had made “massive progress” since 2024 and urged the women to “aim to become crorepatis.” Gates Foundation India head Mr. Hari Menon praised the project’s success and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to improving women’s livelihoods.