Ekta Nagar: Rakhis made by local youth undergoing skill development training will be sold at several locations in the Statue of Unity area from Saturday, giving trainees a platform to showcase their work while creating an avenue for employment and self-employment.

Trainees of the Ekta Skill Development Centre prepared Rakhis in different designs as part of a special workshop organised ahead of Raksha Bandhan on August 28. The workshop was intended to encourage creativity and help participants apply the skills acquired through their training.

Stalls will be set up at three locations. The first, at the Statue of Unity (SoU) Bus Bay Area, will operate from August 22 to 28. A second stall will be at the Shrestha Bharat Bhavan Parking Area from August 25 to 28, and a third at the Administrative Complex in Ekta Nagar from August 25 to 26.

The initiative forms part of efforts to link skill development with livelihood opportunities for local youth in Ekta Nagar. With the Statue of Unity and other attractions drawing visitors from across India and abroad, authorities have encouraged activities that involve local communities in the area’s development.

The Ekta Skill Development Centre runs short-term programmes for local youth with support and guidance from the Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Governance Authority (SoUADTGA). It aims to equip trainees with skills across sectors and help them access employment and self-employment. The centre also organises workshops linked to festivals and other occasions to encourage creativity and overall development.

The Raksha Bandhan workshop allowed participants to use their skills to make Rakhis in a range of designs. The stalls will let visitors buy the products while giving the young trainees a direct chance to display and sell work made as part of their training. Officials said the effort supports skill development and self-reliance by connecting training with practical market exposure around one of the region’s major tourism destinations.