Mumbai, Jan 8 (IANS): Josephine Selvaraj from Tamil Nadu was conferred the 20th Jankidevi Bajaj Puruskar for her initiative in spreading awareness about advantages of honey and bee keeping.

Selvaraj's initiatives are aimed not only at providing better health and income with less investment but has provided employment to many rural women in Vadipatti town and nearby areas of Madurai district.

"My happiness is unexplainable. I never expected to be the winner," Selvaraj said after getting the award late Monday.

"My long term aim is to install honey bee boxes in each and every household, so as to enhance the lifestyle of my community at large. I also wish to offer free training, every month, to anybody, who wishes to learn the skill of honey making," she said.

Sponsored by the ladies' wing of the Indian Merchant Chambers, the Jankidevi Bajaj Puraskar recognises women entrepreneurs for extraordinary and outstanding entrepreneurial excellence in rural India.

Selvaraj is the founder of the Vibis Natural Bee Farm based in the Vadipatti Taluk of Madurai district. She aims to make honey available to each and every family for their daily consumption.

According to her, honey facilitates good resistance, purifies the blood and its medicinal values protect the body from major health problems like heart ailments and cancer.

Selvaraj also conducts sting therapy for patients at her farm along with workshops that encourages entrepreneurship.

She produces 24 types of products with honey and nine types of honey depending on the seasons and availability of flowers.