Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Information Technology, Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, today visited the SARAS Aajeevika Mela at Kala Kendra, Jammu. The Minister lauded the significant role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in empowering the rural women and strengthening grassroots livelihoods.
The Minister toured various stalls at the Mela, exhibiting a wide array of traditional crafts, handloom products and culinary delicacies prepared by the rural women SHGs from across the country. These exhibitions provide an important platform for women entrepreneurs to access wider markets and build sustainable livelihoods, he asserted
MD JKRLM Dr. Shubra Sharma and other senior officers of NRLM were present on the occasion Interacting with the SHG members, Satish Sharma appreciated their entrepreneurial spirit and craftsmanship. He said that initiatives like SARAS Aajeevika Mela reflect government’s commitment towards inclusive development and women-led economic growth.
He emphasized that empowering women through skill development and market access is key to building a self-reliant and resilient economy. The Minister said that participation of SHGs from different States and Union Territories adds to the cultural richness of the event while fostering national integration.
He noted that such platforms not only promote traditional arts and crafts but also help preserve India’s diverse cultural heritage. Satish Sharma also highlighted the importance of leveraging technology and digital platforms to enhance the reach of SHG products.
He said that IT-enabled solutions can play a crucial role in expanding market access and improving income generation for rural women. The SARAS Aajeevika Mela features 81 stalls, including 70 product stalls and 11 food stalls, with participation from 18 States and Union Territories besides SHGs from all districts of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh UT.
Over 200 rural women artisans are participating in the event. Live demonstrations of traditional crafts such as pottery, grass handicrafts, Basohli art, papier-mâché and intricate Crewel and Sozni embroidery have emerged as major attractions, drawing large public interest.
The Mela also celebrates India’s diverse culinary traditions, offering visitors a vibrant Pan-India experience while reinforcing the role of SHGs in nation-building and rural prosperity.