Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, today inaugurated the SARAS Aajeevika Mela at Kala Kendra, Jammu. The event showcases the finest crafts, products and culinary delights created by the rural women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from across the country.
Among those present on the occasion were Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD), Mohammad Ajiaz Asad; MD JKRLM Dr. Shubhra Sharma; Director General Rural Sanitation, Anu Malhotra; MD Himayat, Rajnish Kumar; Director Panchayati Raj Jammu, Sham Lal; CEO IWMP Rajneesh Kumar; Additional Mission Director JKRLM Jammu, Manpreet Kaur and other senior officers.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the SARAS Mela provides a vital platform for rural women entrepreneurs to exhibit their skills, strengthen market linkages and enhance livelihood opportunities. He emphasized that such initiatives reflect the government’s commitment towards empowering Self-Help Groups and promoting rural entrepreneurship as a cornerstone of inclusive and sustainable growth.
The Minister inspected various stalls and interacted with the SHG members, enquiring about the benefits they derive from the SARAS platform. On the occasion, he also released the JKRLM Calendar 2026 and e-inaugurated the existing food service enterprises under newly launched UT level brand for Food service Enterprise (FSE) “Umeed Ka Zaika”.
The SARAS Aajeevika Mela is featuring 81 stalls, including 70 product stalls and 11 food stalls, with participation from 18 States/UTs, alongside SHGs representing all districts of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh UT. Over 200 rural women artisans are participating in the event.
The exhibition is the largest gathering of rural women SHGs, providing them an opportunity to display their craftsmanship and build direct linkages with buyers. Live demonstrations of traditional crafts such as pottery, grass handicrafts, Basohli art, papier-mâché and intricate Crewel and Sozni embroidery have emerged as major highlights during the exhibition, reflecting the rich cultural legacy and artistic heritage of the region.
The Mela also celebrates India’s diverse culinary traditions, fostering cultural exchange while promoting economic empowerment of rural women. With its unique blend of products from across the country, the SARAS Aajeevika Mela offers visitors a vibrant Pan-India experience and reinforces the role of SHGs in nation-building and rural prosperity.