FLO to set up Rural Skilling Centre in a 10-acre campus, a PPP model with the Govt of Telangana: Prathibha Kunda, Chairperson of FLO

“Empowering women isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. When women thrive, everyone thrives”, Pallavi Jain, Chairperson, YFLO Hyderabad,

 Hyderabad, March 27, 2025: New office-bearers have taken over FLO (FICCI Ladies Organisation) and YFLO (Young FICCI Ladies Organisation). Prathibha Kunda and Pallavi Jain took over as Chairperson of FLO and YFLO, respectively, for the year 2025-26.   

Prathibha Kunda, who takes over the mantle from Priya Gazdar, is the great-granddaughter of Amarajeevi Poti Sriramulu, the freedom fighter known for his pivotal role in the creation of Andhra State. She is the Managing Director of Surendrapuri, India’s first mythological theme park. She is the founder of Siara Retreat and Pradhan Conventions.   

Pallavi Jain, who succeeds Ridhi Jain, is a Director at Pokarna Fabrics.  She has 10 years of retail experience from KORA and Raymond. She holds a Doctorate in Molecular Medicine. A mother of two, she blends her scientific background with her retail career and entrepreneurial ventures.

 The other office bearers of FLO for the year include Seetha Reddy, Senior Vice President; Gunjan Sindhi, Vice President; Rashi Agarwal, Executive Secretary; and Shilpa Raju, Treasurer. 

 The YFLO office bearers include: Khushboo Daga, Vice President; Akanksha Agarwal, Secretary; Rupal A Bansal, Treasurer. 

 Prathibha Kunda, the new FLO Chairperson, unveiled her program for the year.  Our intention this year is to ‘Build for Everyone, be inspired by Everyone and Reach Everyone, ’she said.  I draw inspiration from PanchaTatva, the five essential elements that sustain life, for my program.  At FLO, empowerment is not just a vision, it is a commitment to action, she said. She also introduced her team.   

 My vision for the year is ‘Knowledge is Power’, Pallavi Jain, the new Chairperson of YFLO, announced.  It resonates with the core motto of our mission for the year, she added.  “Empowering women isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. When women thrive, everyone thrives”, said Pallavi Jain.

 Knowledge is the cornerstone of empowerment, and when we equip women with it, we unlock their full potential. An educated woman is a force for progress, capable of transforming not only her own life but also the world around her”, added Pallavi.    

 Some of the key initiatives for the year for FLO are the FLO Rural Skill Centre, which will be set up in a 10-acre campus.  The place and other modalities are being worked out now.  It will be a Private-Public Partnership with the Government of Telangana. Through this initiative, we would like to skill up to 2000 women and students. 1000 urban youth will also be trained at the FLO Centre of Excellence, Prathibha Kunda shared.   

She aims to introduce comprehensive skilling programs to upskill rural and urban women across various sectors, ensuring they remain competitive in the modern workforce. A key focus will be on bridging the digital divide, enabling women from all backgrounds to leverage technology for economic independence.

Additionally, she is committed to revitalizing traditional crafts, providing artisans with sustainable growth opportunities while preserving cultural legacies. 

 As Chairperson, my vision is centered on empowering women through skill development, digital inclusion, and the revival of Telangana’s traditional handicraft – Dokra, a 4000-year-old art form of ancient Indian folk art.   

 Dokra art is very special for its ancient origins.  Adilabad is renowned for its unique Dokra art.  It is famous for use of the lost-wax casting technique, and the unique, handcrafted designs that capture tribal cultures and folk motifs, making each piece a one-of-a-kind treasure. FLO would like to play a major role in three areas: 01 Creating Awareness, showcasing and spotlighting the craft at all FLO events; 02. Design Intervention and 03. Market Linkages through FLO StyleTatva, a signature expo known as the Bahubali of Lifestyle Exhibitions. 

  “My goal, says Prathibha, is to ensure that FLO not only supports women in achieving their business aspirations but also equips them with the skills necessary to excel in a digitally-driven world. We are committed to creating opportunities that foster economic independence and create sustainable growth for women entrepreneurs,” added Prathibha Kunda.