Women’s route to success

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, September 21

Self-help groups (SHGs) have become a centre of attraction at the Kisan Mela and Pashu Palan Mela. Various women associated with the SHGs displayed their products which have left visitors awestruck.

A member of the Sukhmani Help Group from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar said, “I started with pickles and then added sauces and jams. Today, I can proudly say that I don’t have to look at anyone for money. I am an independent woman.”

It was only last year that Arvinder Kaur while visiting the Kisan Mela made up her mind to start her own venture. “After visiting the Kisan Mela, I realised that all things that women are selling can be prepared by me as well. There and then I decided to start my own venture. With an assistance of self-help group, I learnt to prepare numerous varieties of pickles, sauces and jams. My sauce has become really popular with customers.”

Ranjit Kaur, who has been coming to the Mela from past 14 years and selling spices this year, prepared a spice for animals. “I have used 15 different types of spices to prepare this particular spice for animals suffering from flatulence and will also help increasing milk yield,” Ranjit said.

Bhavneet and Kamalpreet were selling Punjabi books related to the Sikh history. “We are selling books at half rate because we want people to read books and know about the Sikh history. People should read books for children to acquaint them of our past. Villagers show more interest in buying books then urban masses,” said the duo.