JAMMU, FEB 20: In a vibrant celebration of India’s cultural diversity and rural entrepreneurship, Secretary, Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj (RD&PR), Mohammad Aijaz Asad, inaugurated the 10-day SARAS Aajeevika Mela at Kala Kendra, Jammu, on Thursday.
As per the statement issued to The Newsroom 24 – Awaz, Aijaz Asad described the event as a “Mini Bharat”, showcasing the country’s rich cultural and regional diversity through the participation of Self Help Groups (SHGs) from 19 states.
“Our country is a union of many cultures, and today, you can see SHGs from across India displaying their unique products. Along with cuisines, various cultural aspects are also being highlighted. A ‘Mini Bharat’ has come to Jammu today,” said the Secretary during the inaugural ceremony.
The SARAS Aajeevika Mela, organized by the Jammu & Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-NRLM (DAY-NRLM), aims to offer a national platform for rural women artisans to showcase their crafts and entrepreneurial skills.
This year’s Mela features 70 distinctive stalls presenting an array of handicrafts, handlooms, jewellery, pottery, metalwork, paintings, home décor, and a variety of traditional cuisines from different states.
The Secretary inspected stalls representing the 19 participating states, including those highlighting the rich craftsmanship of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh UTs. He engaged with the artisans, commending their innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.
“The SARAS Mela is not just an exhibition; it is a learning platform for SHG women to witness new products and innovative ideas,” Aijaz Asad noted. He urged visitors to support these rural women entrepreneurs by purchasing their handmade products, emphasizing the importance of creating sustainable market linkages for SHGs.
Highlighting the transformative role of NRLM, Aijaz Asad described it as a “silent revolution” aimed at empowering rural women, helping them achieve financial independence and build sustainable businesses.
The event was attended by key officials, including Mission Director J&K Rural Livelihoods Mission, Dr Shubhra Sharma, Director Panchayati Raj, Sham Lal, CEO IWMP, Rajnish Kumar, COO HIMAYAT, Rajneesh Gupta, Additional Mission Director JKRLM, Manpreet Kaur, and State Project Managers JKRLM.
