From Crafts to Confidence; SARAS Mela in Srinagar empowers women entrepreneurs across India
Srinagar | : The 10 days SARAS Mela 2025 concluded today at Sher-e-Kashmir Park here with resounding success.
During the concluding ceremony, Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad was present.
The Secretary described the 10-day event as a resounding success celebrating India’s unity in diversity while giving a strong boost to women entrepreneurship across the country.
While appreciating the enthusiastic participation and overwhelming public response, the Secretary said, “The SARAS Mela is not just a sale exhibition, it is a celebration of India’s unity and diversity”.
He informed that self-help groups (SHGs) from states as diverse as Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, and Jammu & Kashmir participated in the event, reflecting the national scale of the initiative.
“All Kerala products were sold out. The stalls from Kishtwar are also empty, and even those from Uttar Pradesh have registered massive sales,” he noted, adding that the commercial success was matched by the social impact of the event.
Highlighting the broader significance of the initiative, the Secretary termed the SHG movement as a ‘catalyst for social revolution’.
“The biggest benefit of this celebration is the exchange of ideas. SHGs from J&K learn best practices from their counterparts in other states and vice versa. This exchange strengthens the entire network of women entrepreneurs,” he observed.
He further said, “not only Lakhpati sisters, but millionaire sisters have also emerged from this movement. This is not merely a programme; it is a revolution in women empowerment”.
MD, JKRLM, Dr. Shubhra Sharma said that the participants expressed immense satisfaction with their experience in Kashmir and lauded the warmth, hospitality, and cooperation extended by the local community.
She added that the SARAS Mela served as a powerful platform for financial independence and empowerment of SHG members supported under DAY-NRLM, representing states including Rajasthan, Lakshadweep, Haryana, Punjab, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Tripura, among others.
Organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) from October 4 to 14, the SARAS Mela brought together the talent and creativity of over 150 rural women entrepreneurs from 13 states, offering visitors a colourful display of crafts, culture, and cuisine, a true national tapestry in the heart of Srinagar.
During the event, the Secretary also visited over 60 stalls run by SHG participants from outside the Union Territory, each showcasing unique products that reflected the artistry and craftsmanship of their regions.
The Mela concluded with a felicitation ceremony, where SHG members were awarded certificates for their outstanding contributions.
In the awards category, Kishtwar district secured first position for best sales, while Srinagar district bagged the top honour in the best food category.
The event reaffirmed Jammu and Kashmir’s role as a hub of cultural and economic collaboration, with the SARAS Mela acting as a bridge connecting women entrepreneurs from across the nation.
