Secy RDD inaugurates 10-day SARAS
Aajeevika Mela in Jammu
Says ‘participation of SHGs from
various states demonstrates country’s rich cultural, regional diversity’
JAMMU, FEBRUARY 20:
Secretary, Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj (RD&PR),
Mohammad Aijaz Asad, on Thursday inaugurated the 10 day SARAS Aajeevika Mela at
Kala Kendra, Jammu.
The Secretary
described the event as a 'Mini Bharat' that celebrates the country's rich
cultural diversity and the entrepreneurial spirit of rural women.
Speaking at the
inaugural ceremony, Aijaz Asad emphasised the significance of the event in
highlighting the talent and resilience of rural women entrepreneurs.
"Our country is a union of many cultures
and today, you can see self help groups from 19 states of India displaying
their products. Along with cuisines, other cultural aspects are also being
highlighted. A 'Mini Bharat' has come to Jammu today," maintained the
Secretary.
Being organised by
the Jammu & Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) under the Department
of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, the SARAS Aajeevika Mela aims to
provide a national platform for rural women artisans under the Deendayal
Antyodaya Yojana-NRLM (DAY-NRLM).
This year’s event
is featuring 70 unique stalls showcasing handicrafts, handlooms, jewellery,
pottery, metalwork, paintings and home décor besides a variety of traditional
cuisines from across India.
The Secretary
inspected the stalls representing 19 states, along with those showcasing the
unique crafts of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh UTs. He interacted with the
exhibitors, applauding their entrepreneurial spirit and innovation in rural
enterprises.
"The SARAS
Mela is not just an exhibition; it is a learning platform for SHG women to
witness new products and innovative ideas," he added. He encouraged the
visitors to attend the event and support rural women entrepreneurs by
purchasing their handmade products, emphasising the importance of creating
sustainable market linkages for SHGs.
Highlighting the
role of NRLM in empowering rural women, Aijaz Asad described it as not just a
mission but a revolution, a silent revolution to uplift women. He noted the significant
achievements of rural women entrepreneurs who, through NRLM support, have
gained financial independence and developed sustainable businesses.
Among others the
exhibition was attended by Mission Director J&K Rural Livelihoods Mission,
Dr Shubhra Sharma; Director, Panchayati Raj, Sham Lal; Chief Executive Officer,
IWMP, Rajnish Kumar; Chief Operating Officer, HIMAYAT, Rajneesh Gupta;
Additional Mission Director JKRLM, Manpreet
Kaur and State Project Managers JKRLM.