Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Apr 19: A district-level exhibition and sales fair for products manufactured by self-help groups (SHGs) was organised on Saturday at the Mangaluru Taluk panchayat premises.
The event was jointly hosted by the Dakshina Kannada District Administration, Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, and Sanjeevini - Karnataka State Rural Livelihood Promotion Society (KSRLPS).
The programme was inaugurated by K E Jayaram, project director of the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, who lit the ceremonial lamp. In his address, Jayaram emphasised that Sanjeevini-NRLM has provided a robust platform for marketing products made by rural SHGs. He encouraged women involved in these groups to make the best use of such opportunities and also avail support for acquiring food safety and quality certification as well as enterprise registration certificates.
Mangaluru assistant commissioner Harshavardhan S J inaugurated the SHG stalls at the venue and encouraged the women by purchasing their products.
Speaking on the occasion, Mahesh Holla, executive officer of the Mangaluru Taluk Panchayat, said, “These SHG stalls stand as an example that women can achieve anything if they set their minds to it.”
Other dignitaries present on the dais included Mahesh, assistant director of Mangaluru Taluk Panchayat, and Kavita, president of Sanjeevini Mangaluru Taluk-level Federation.
As part of the programme, awards were presented to recognise the outstanding performance of SHG federations in the district. Guttigar’s ‘Amara Sanjeevini’ GP-level federation was honoured with the Best Federation Award and a cash prize of Rs 1 lac. The Ashirvad Sanjeevini Federation from Golthamajalu received a certificate of merit and Rs 75,000, while Samruddhi Sanjeevini Federation from Balnadu was awarded a certificate and Rs 50,000 in cash.
Among the active self-help groups, the Sri Siddhivinayak SHG from Golthamajalu received Rs 75,000, the Lakshmi Sanjeevini Federation from Tannirupantha was awarded Rs 50,000, and the Vijaya Sri SHG from Kodimbadi was honoured with Rs 25,000.
The exhibition featured over 70 products from 30 stalls set up by various SHG federations across the district, drawing the attention of visitors.
The event began with a welcome address by Irene Rebello, district mission manager of NRLM. The programme was coordinated by Hari Prasad, district programme manager of Sanjeevini, while Jayanand from Belthangady served as the master of ceremonies. Cultural performances were held in the afternoon, coordinated by Vanishree, district manager of Sanjeevini.