Walwa Women's Group to Partner With VesacIndia for Fabric Upcycling Training

A women's self-help group in Walwa (Islampur) in Sangli district is set to receive specialised training in fabric upcycling under the newly announced Thread2Trend initiative. The partnership between VesacIndia and the local group aims to convert textile waste into marketable products, creating sustainable livelihoods and dignified employment for rural women.

The collaboration involves the Sambodhi Bahuuddeshiya Samajik Mahila Vikas Sanstha, a Sangli-based organisation led by president Neeta Dhondiram Yewale, vice-president Kavita Dagdu Yewale, and deputy secretary Anuja Anil Urunkar. The group has already begun transforming discarded garments into designer bags, wallets, and other lifestyle products, including denim bags featuring hand-painted artwork and messages promoting traditional Indian attire.

Vijaykumar Katti, founder of VesacIndia, announced that his organisation will conduct a dedicated training programme for the group's members. The sessions will focus on modern fabric upcycling techniques, product innovation, design development, and market requirements. The partnership is designed to blend local craftsmanship with technical guidance to produce internationally competitive designs.

According to Katti, the initiative is guided by VesacIndia's R.E.A.C.H. philosophy—Responsibility, Empathy, Awareness, Compassion, and Harmony—which integrates environmental conservation with community development. By repurposing discarded textiles before they reach dumping grounds, the programme aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote a circular economy.

To support the project, VesacIndia will assist the beneficiaries throughout the value chain. This support includes supplying textile waste as raw material and helping market the finished products across the country. Katti also acknowledged the contribution of Mumbai-based mentor Jitendra Chavan in guiding the women's group through the process.