Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh: President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the national-level SARAS Mela at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada on Thursday, October 15. The event will showcase products made by women from self-help groups (SHGs) across India, highlighting rural entrepreneurship and women’s economic empowerment.
The SARAS Mela, which stands for Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans Society, is jointly organised by the Union Ministry of Rural Development and the Andhra Pradesh government. More than 600 stalls will display a range of products prepared by women associated with self-help groups from different parts of the country.
Following the inauguration, President Murmu will attend a luncheon with members of self-help groups and ‘Lakhpati Didis’, women who have achieved an annual household income of at least Rs 1 lakh through livelihood activities.
President Murmu Arrives in Andhra Pradesh
President Murmu arrived at Gannavaram Airport near Vijayawada from Delhi on Wednesday aboard a special aircraft.
She was received at the airport by Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan, and state ministers Kollu Ravindra and Vangalapudi Anitha.
Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad, Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta, Krishna District Collector D.K. Balaji and District Superintendent of Police V. Vidya Sagar Naidu were also present to welcome the President.
After her arrival, President Murmu travelled to Indrakeeladri to visit the Kanaka Durga Temple, where she offered prayers to Goddess Kanaka Durga on Wednesday night.
President Offers Prayers at Kanaka Durga Temple
During her visit to the Kanaka Durga Temple, President Murmu participated in religious rituals and offered prayers in the sanctum sanctorum. Temple priests performed the pujas and subsequently conducted Veda Ashirvachanam, a traditional Vedic blessing ceremony.
The priests and temple officials presented the President with sacred offerings, including silk sarees, a shawl and a portrait of Goddess Kanaka Durga.
At Indrakeeladri, she was welcomed by Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, MP Kesineni Chinni, temple chairman Radhakrishna, Executive Officer Sheena Naik and other temple officials.
President Murmu also greeted devotees waiting in queues with folded hands as she proceeded towards the temple for darshan.
SARAS Mela to Showcase Products by Women Entrepreneurs
The national-level SARAS Mela provides a platform for rural women entrepreneurs to display and sell products made through their self-help groups. With more than 600 stalls expected at the Vijayawada event, the exhibition will bring together artisans and SHG members from across the country.
The participation of ‘Lakhpati Didis’ also highlights the government’s focus on strengthening women’s livelihoods and improving household incomes through self-help groups and related initiatives.
President Murmu’s inauguration and interaction with SHG members are expected to bring attention to the role of rural women in entrepreneurship, traditional crafts and local economic development.