National Conference at Ghatghar Focuses on Tribal Women’s Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship

A National Conference on “Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship – Strengthening Tribal Women’s Livelihood” was successfully organised at Ghatghar, Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary, Taluka Akole, District Ahilyanagar. The conference was jointly organised by Dnyaan Prasad Global University, Pune; Dr. D. Y. Patil Unitech Society; Dr. D. Y. Patil Arts, Commerce and Science College, Akurdi; Dr. D. Y. Patil Arts, Commerce and Science College, Pimpri; Savitribai Phule Pune University’s Department of Lifelong Learning and Extension; the Department of Wildlife, Government of Maharashtra; the Indian Economics Association; and the BAIF Institute.

The conference aimed to integrate tribal communities into the mainstream development process while preserving their close relationship with nature. Living in the valleys of forests, tribal communities consider the forest as their world. As India progresses toward becoming a global superpower, achieving the first of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals — eradication of poverty — is crucial for the nation’s 2047 development vision. Eliminating poverty will help address multiple socio-economic challenges faced by tribal communities.

Although tribal communities are culturally rich and possess immense traditional knowledge, economic empowerment remains essential for holistic development. The conference emphasized that empowering tribal women leads to the empowerment of entire families and communities. Entrepreneurship has emerged as an effective pathway for achieving this transformation. The growing market potential for rural and tribal products, including examples such as cow dung-based products being sold on Amazon, highlights that quality products can access large markets. Initiatives like Bhimthadi and Pavanthadi exhibitions have demonstrated that Self-Help Groups (SHGs) can generate turnovers worth lakhs while providing employment opportunities to tribal women.

The conference stressed the need for proper training in production, packaging, branding, and marketing to enhance tribal women’s entrepreneurial capacities. For the past two years, the organising institutions have made dedicated efforts to conduct this unique national conference, contributing meaningfully to government development goals and tribal upliftment. The research discussions and policy interpretations emerging from this conference are expected to significantly contribute to tribal development strategies.

The conference was held under the esteemed guidance of Dr. P. D. Patil, President of Dr. D. Y. Patil Unitech Society; Vice President Dr. Bhagyashreetai Patil; Secretary Dr. Somnath P. Patil; Treasurer Dr. Rohini Patil; Vice Chancellor of Dnyaan Prasad Global University Dr. Mohan Waman; Registrar Dr. Ranjit Patil; Director and Head of the Department of Lifelong Learning and Extension, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Prof. Dr. Vilas Adhav; and Departmental Director of BAIF, Dr. Sanjay Patil.

The three-day conference featured a keynote address by Bijmata Rahibai Popere. During the inaugural session, Prof. Dr. Vilas Adhav shared his insights on sustainable and inclusive development. Eminent dignitaries including Dr. Sunil Ugle (Chairman, Economics Studies Board), Dr. Amol Gaikwad, Principal Dr. S. K. Dhage, Prof. Dr. Sangita Salve, Prof. Dr. Manasi Kurtkoti, and Dr. Ajay Darekar contributed their valuable perspectives.

The conference was successfully coordinated under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Dr. Mohan Waman and In-charge Principal Dr. Mukesh Tiwari, with the dedicated efforts of Dr. Minal Bhosale, Prof. Bhagwat Deshmukh, Prof. Akash Shirke, Prof. Maithili Mule, Prof. Santoshi Salunkhe, Prof. Abhishek Pokharkar, Prof. Prashant Bagde, and many others who worked tirelessly to ensure its success.

This national conference stands as a significant step toward promoting sustainable livelihoods, preserving ecological balance, and strengthening tribal women’s entrepreneurship in Maharashtra.