New Delhi, 17^th September 2025: Ashirvad by Aliaxis, India’s leading provider of plumbing and water management solutions, today announced the launch of its Plumber Saathi mobile training unit, in partnership with Smile Foundation, in Jharsuguda, Odisha. The training vehicle was formally flagged off by Shri Suresh Pujari, honourable Minister of Revenue & Disaster Management, Government of Odisha in the presence of Shri. Kunal Motiram Chavan, IAS, Collector & District Magistrate of Jharsuguda; Tariniprasad Mohapatra, State Head, Odisha (Building Vertical); Sanjay Palai, Plant Head, Cuttack from Ashirvad by Aliaxis; and Sushanta Kumar Bhuyan, Sr. Director Programmes of Smile Foundation. 

Incidentally, this is India’s first formal launch of Plumber Saathi project. All the trainings and new-age capacity-building will be provided free of cost.

Ashirvad by Aliaxis, in collaboration with Smile Foundation, has launched a transformative initiative to train the youth of Odisha in plumbing, a skill witnessing growing demand across sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing and construction.

Committed to empowering underrepresented communities, Ashirvad by Aliaxis is equipping local youth with practical, industry-relevant plumbing skills paving the way for sustainable livelihood opportunities and long-term socio-economic upliftment. The Plumber Saathi mobile training unit is central to this mission. Fully equipped with modern tools, resources and guided by expert mentors, the unit will travel across various localities in Odisha to deliver hands-on training aligned with best industry practices.

This skilling initiative will be implemented by Smile Foundation, an Indian development organisation of repute, known for its work in the areas of education, skilling, and healthcare, in close coordination with Ashirvad by Aliaxis. Together, the two organisations are working towards a common goal—creating inclusive pathways to employment and fostering self-reliance through skill development.

Speaking on the occasion, Sudeep Agrawal, CFO & Head- CSR, Ashirvad by Aliaxis said, “With a strong presence in Odisha through our state-of-the-art plant in Cuttack, Ashirvad is deeply committed to the region’s development. The Jharsuguda launch of our Plumber Saathi mobile unit is a step toward building a skilled and self-reliant workforce across Odisha. Our goal is to empower local youth with the knowledge and practical skills needed to pursue meaningful careers in plumbing and allied services. We remain committed to Skill India’s vision by providing inclusive training opportunities that build skills and transform lives.”

Shri Suresh Pujari, Minister of Revenue & Disaster Management, Government of Odisha said, “We appreciate Smile Foundation and Ashirvad’s initiative to deliver vocational and industry-relevant training to the youth of Odisha. Programmes like Plumber Saathi are well aligned with the state’s vision of fostering employability and entrepreneurship. We are confident that this initiative will make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people across the region.”

Shri Santanu Mishra, Co-founder of Smile Foundation said, “India needs to fill over 90 million new jobs by 2030, the majority of which will require some level of vocational or life-skills training. Hands-on vocational training in high-demand trades has to be delivered close to where workers live and work. This is not just about preparing workers for income-generation, it’s about preparing the workers participate actively in India’s growth story.”

Starting its journey in Jharsuguda, the Plumber Saathi will traverse across Odisha to raise awareness and equip the state’s youth with essential plumbing skills. The initiative reflects Ashirvad by Aliaxis’s broader commitment to building future-ready, resilient communities through focused skill development emphasizing grassroots empowerment and gender inclusivity.

Please visit: www.smilefoundationindia.org