Rural Development Minister recently initiated the Saras Aajeevika Mela 2021 at Noida Haat. Over 300 rural self-help groups and craftsmen from across 27 states are participating in this event. This programme is dedicated to transforming rural India, primarily focusing on rural women’s lives. The Mela will host workshops on various areas including product packaging and design, communication skills, social media publicity, and Business to Business marketing to educate the rural self-help groups and craftsmen.
The Organisers Behind Saras Aajeevika Mela 2021
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) has taken the initiative to organise this event. Working under the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), DAY-NRLM collaborates with the Council for Advancement of People’s Action and Rural Technology (CAPART) for this initiative. CAPART is an independent body set up by the Ministry of Rural Development, functioning as a link between the government and Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) working towards better rural livelihoods.
Objective of Saras Aajeevika Mela 2021
This Mela aims to bring together rural women from Self Help Groups (SHGs) across the country onto one platform. This platform will enable them to present their skills, sell their products, and construct connections with bulk buyers. Through involvement in SARAS Aajeevika Mela, these rural SHG women will receive crucial national exposure. This exposure will help them comprehend urban consumers’ demands and preferences.
Significance of Saras Aajeevika Mela
Saras Aajeevika Mela is recognized as an integrated approach to women empowerment. It provides a unique opportunity for rural women to showcase their skills and uniqueness, enabling them to be a part of the broader market. This opportunity thereby contributes to their economic empowerment.
The Mela aligns perfectly with the government’s ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ vision. It encourages rural entrepreneurs by giving them a platform to showcase their products and services, thereby not only promoting them but also inspiring others.
Saras Aajeevika Mela: A Stepping Stone For Rural Entrepreneurs
This Mela serves as a stepping stone for these rural entrepreneurs. It gives them the chance to interact directly with the customers and learn from their feedback. They can refine their skills and products based on popular demand and feedback.
Workshops: An Added Advantage
Apart from providing a platform to display and sell their products, the Mela also organises workshops. These workshops focus on educating the participants in various areas, including product packaging and design, communication skills, social media publicity, and business-to-business marketing. The knowledge gained from these workshops helps them expand and improve their businesses.
Unifying Indian Rural Development Initiatives
While Saras Aajeevika Mela is an event, it stands as a symbol of unity among various rural development initiatives across India. By bringing together rural self-help groups and craftsmen from 27 states, it emphasises the importance of collective effort in achieving nationwide rural development.
While the Mela plays a significant role in empowering rural women, it also boosts rural artisans and craftsmen’s morale. The fact that their work is being showcased nationally instils in them a sense of pride and encourages them to pursue their craftsmanship with greater zeal.