Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Dec 13: POWER is set to host the fifth edition of “Power Parba” from February 7 to 9, 2025, at Christian High School Ground, Mission Compound, Udupi.
Addressing the media during a press meet held on December 13, president Tanuja Maben said, “POWER is an association of women entrepreneurs, women in family businesses, and aspiring women entrepreneurs. The primary objective of this association is to provide a platform for close interaction among women entrepreneurs, enabling mutual learning, collective growth, exposure, and fellowship. Our vision is to unite women entrepreneurs from all walks of life by nurturing their skills and helping them realize their dreams. We organize various flagship programs, and Power Parba has been one such initiative held every two years. This year, the event is scheduled for February.”
Event coordinator Suguna Shankar Suvarna stated, “The first edition of ‘Parba’ was organized in 2016 and was a resounding success, paving the way for subsequent editions in 2018, 2020, and 2023. The fifth edition is now planned for 2025. In Tulu, ‘Parba’ means festival, and POWER Parba celebrates women entrepreneurship. It is a unique event conceptualized by POWER, aimed at helping budding women entrepreneurs showcase their products, services, and talents to a broader audience. This festival focuses on women operating small home-based businesses in rural and urban Udupi district, those with small business establishments seeking to scale up, and women who can transform their hobbies into viable sources of income.”
Supriya Kamath, exhibitor committee chairman, provided details about the stalls, saying, “Power Parba 2025 will feature around 150 stalls, with 60 allocated to MSMEs and the remaining for other participants. The event is approved under the Procurement and Marketing Support (PMS) Scheme of MSME, Government of India. To avail of the benefits under the PMS Scheme, participants must belong to the manufacturing or service sectors.
“The stalls will include carpet flooring, rainproof roofing, ceiling fans, security arrangements, CCTV surveillance, ample parking, secure rooms for product safety, and standard dimensions of 3 meters by 3 meters. Each stall will be equipped with two tables, two chairs, a plug point, and tablecloths based on a deposit. Charges for POWER members are Rs 8,000 plus 18% GST for packed food stalls and Rs 20,000 plus 18% GST for live food stalls. For non-POWER members, the rates are Rs 12,000 plus 18% GST for product and packed food stalls and Rs 24,000 plus 18% GST for live food stalls. MSME sector stalls are priced at Rs 20,700 plus 18% GST. Stall bookings are now open.”
She added, “The primary aim of Power Parba is to introduce Udupi residents to unique products. Stall categories include jewelry, food, paintings, handicrafts, textiles, fashion accessories, home décor, cosmetics, and more. As in previous editions, a few stalls will be reserved for NGOs, cottage industries, and institutions.”
Power Parba provides a platform for women entrepreneurs to display and sell their products, thereby promoting rural and urban women entrepreneurs under one umbrella, fostering mutual and collective learning.
Registration for exhibitors is currently open, and the last date for stall booking is January 5, 2025.
Event secretary Priya Kamath, advisory member and founder president Renu Jayaram, and others were present at the press conference.