Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has completed its 38th iCARE initiative, supporting rural women entrepreneurs through skill development, resources and sustainable livelihood opportunities. The programme was organised as part of TKM’s Employee Volunteerism Program and marked World Entrepreneur’s Day.
The initiative brought together around 570 employee volunteers and their families with 15 women artisans from Krishikala, a rural Self Help Group (SHG) in Karnataka. The programme was held at Basavanna Convention Hall, Manchagondanahalli, near Kengeri. Krishikala’s women artisans produce eco-friendly home décor products using bottle gourds. However, limited access to working capital, tools and other resources has restricted the group’s ability to increase production and respond to growing market demand.
To support the SHG, Toyota Kirloskar Motor provided engraving machines and crafting tools. The iCARE volunteers also worked alongside the artisans to craft, polish and finish around 260 eco-friendly products. The products included decorative lamps, bird nests, pen holders and wall hangings. The initiative is expected to help the women continue production independently, improve product quality and increase their earning opportunities. The support will also help Krishikala expand its product range and production capacity. With improved resources, the SHG can explore opportunities in neighbouring villages and encourage more women to join the enterprise.
Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said the initiative was aimed at helping community members become more self-reliant. “The true measure of community development is making its members self-reliant to achieve their life goals. By supporting Self Help Groups with the product, production tools and opportunities to expand their businesses, the 38th iCARE initiative aims to strengthen their efforts and enable them to pursue entrepreneurial growth in the villages of Karnataka,” he said.
The initiative reflects TKM’s wider focus on rural entrepreneurship, women empowerment, skill development and environmentally responsible livelihoods. It also supports national development priorities such as Viksit Bharat 2047 and Skill India. Since its launch in 2017, iCARE has served as TKM’s flagship employee volunteer programme. It encourages employees and their families to contribute their time and skills to community-focused projects.
The programme covers several areas, including education, health and hygiene, environment, skill development, road safety and disaster management. Through employee participation, TKM aims to create sustained community impact while encouraging responsible citizenship within the organisation.
The 38th iCARE initiative places particular emphasis on strengthening women-led rural enterprises. By combining financial and material support with hands-on participation, the programme seeks to help SHG members develop stronger production capabilities and create more sustainable businesses.
TKM said its CSR activities are designed to complement wider efforts to build self-reliant communities and create opportunities at the grassroots level. The company continues to focus on initiatives that support entrepreneurship, local skills and sustainable livelihoods, while encouraging employees to participate directly in community development activities.
