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Abstract

Women’s empowerment and self-help groups are functional and successful in India in most instances; it is possible to improve them further by incorporating quality parameters in the various training programs. Most of the locally organized skill-training by different empowerment cells operates effectively. Training and operating procedures must be devised to ensure that self-help groups meet international standards for their products. The training is often held in remote locations, making it difficult for the facilitator to visit and provide instruction. There must be established criteria for selecting trainers and a planned curriculum for training. There is a social impediment in the overall empowerment process; one of the social evils is drug and alcohol addiction and specific cultural and societal norms. Women can help to curtail such societal problems, and the Naga Mothers’ Association has made an impact in reducing addiction in Indian society. The Naga Mother’s Association is doing an excellent job of reducing addiction; however, their work needs to be supported by legislative provisions. Similar to the Naga Mothers’ Association, the women’s wing of the Koch Rajbongshi student union has been able to mobilize and disseminate information about the ill effects of addiction among its community members. This paper argues that mindfulness, a concept of Buddhist origin, is necessary to effect revolutionary change. Mindfulness and compassion are the keys to resolving the issue, but reflection is also an essential component of the practice of mindfulness and compassion. The leaders of these women’s associations are playing a pivotal role in helping to eradicate social evils and addiction from Indian society. One of the most critical components is mindfulness of the current situation and circumstances and making decisions accordingly.

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