SARAS Mela gives boost to women self-help groups

Sanjiv Kumar Bakshi

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Hoshiarpur, October 25

Women-run self-help groups (SHGs) wield the power at the ongoing regional SARAS Mela 2018 at Lajwanti Multipurpose Sports Complex. Visitors enthusiastic to see and buy different products put at display by more than 100 women-run SHGs. By exhibiting and selling their products, they are earning a huge response from the visitors.

Rajshri Waigankar, who is a part of the Prateek SHG from Goa at stall no 204, is selling coconut husk products. Things have never been easy for them 12 years ago, when they started this SHG. “Back home in Goa, our men do farming, fishing and all sorts of odd jobs to make both ends meet yet there is little to earn. We formed our SHG and started making coconut husk products, coconut oil, roasted cashews, banana chips and traditional Konkani delicacies. Now we have come to Punjab and we are overwhelmed by such good sales,” she exclaimed.

At stall number 147, a SHG of 13 women of the Ekta Self Help Group from Khuddi Kalan in Barnala business has never been this brisk. Pickles, processed chutnies and vegetables and fruits dipped in syrup, the women have set examples for others to follow. One of its members Manjeet Kaur said the group was being run for the past 13 to 14 years. “I earn myself and run my household. My own savings are a reason for me to feel proud of myself,” she said.

At stall number 144, the Waris SHGs from Chandauli in UP is the centre of attraction, especially among women for the embroidered sarees, suits, dress materials and veils (dupatta). Present on the stall Javed Akhtar says, “The response is very encouraging.

Deputy Commissioner Isha Kalia said, “It is important for a woman to be economically independent and SHGs provided a perfect launch pad for such women. At SARAS Mela, complete care has been taken to provide comfortable stay and easy transport to these SHGs.”