Jammu, Feb 11: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Sunday inaugurated a vibrant 11-day-long SARAS Aajeevika Mela, a celebration of rural women entrepreneurs’ resilience and creativity.
Organized by the Jammu & Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) under the Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, the event promises to spotlight the rich tapestry of art, craft, culture, and cuisine, echoing the ethos of ‘vocal for local.’
Accompanied by dignitaries including Secretary Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, and Mission Director J&K Rural Livelihoods Mission, Indu Kanwal Chib, Chief Secretary Dulloo emphasized the significance of the Mela as a platform for rural women across the nation, particularly from Jammu and Kashmir, to exhibit and market their products. He stressed the importance of broader exposure and support to ensure the self-reliance of rural women.
The Chief Secretary personally inspected stalls representing 15 states, alongside those showcasing the diverse districts of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh UT. Engaging with exhibitors, he applauded their entrepreneurial spirit and inquired about the uniqueness of their offerings.
The event features over 220 rural women artisans from 15 states, with 60 unique stalls displaying a fusion of products from across India. Visitors can expect beautifully crafted handloom and handicraft products, traditional music, and dance performances, celebrating the cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
The SARAS Aajeevika Mela aims to provide a platform for rural women to exhibit their goods, create a market for direct sales, and enhance marketing abilities. Supported by the Jammu & Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission, self-help group members manage each stall, offering products that cater to diverse preferences.
In addition to exhibitions and sales, cultural programs and activities will entertain visitors. The organizers prioritize sustainability, promoting practices like avoiding plastic and implementing waste management systems for cleanliness and hygiene.
Open daily from 10 am to 08 pm, the SARAS Aajeevika Mela invites visitors to explore around 60 stalls and participate in workshops aimed at enhancing women’s marketing skills.
