Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal
Bantwal, Nov 6: The Sri Siddhivinayaka self-help group (SHG) of Golthamajalu in Bantwal taluk has been selected for the prestigious Kaushalya Karnataka Award 2025, presented under the Sanjeevini–KSRLPS scheme to recognize the best-performing self-help groups in the state.
Out of nearly three lac SHGs across Karnataka, only eight groups were selected for this honour, with the Siddhivinayaka SHG securing the second position for its outstanding performance and active involvement in livelihood and community development activities.
Formed on April 6, 2022, under the jurisdiction of the Golthamajalu gram panchayat, the group began with just ten women who met regularly, saving Rs 200 each month. Guided by the Panchasutra and Dashasutra principles, the group grew steadily, becoming a symbol of self-reliance and empowerment.
With support from the Aashirvad Sanjeevini Gram Panchayat Federation, the members underwent capacity-building training in management, record maintenance, and leadership. They were also introduced to agricultural and non-agricultural livelihood opportunities.
Inspired by these trainings, member Manisha started a tailoring and chaat shop using a loan from the group’s fund. Yashoda also took up tailoring, while Vanitha began cultivating pepper. The group twice availed bank loans with NRLM interest subsidies, further strengthening their livelihoods. Champavathi started her own tailoring unit, providing employment to others, while Vanitha ventured into jasmine cultivation with internal loans and now sells her produce in local markets.
Beyond improving their own lives, the group members have also created employment opportunities for others. Members Vanitha and Sulochana, recognizing their social responsibility, collaborated with Karnataka Bank and Bank of Baroda to help villagers benefit from PMJJBY and PMSBY insurance schemes.
Member Rohini, who serves as an ASHA worker, trains adolescent girls and pregnant women on health, hygiene, and nutrition. She also produces and sells healthy food products like fenugreek and chickpea-based nutri laddus.
The group has actively contributed to the solid waste management initiative in the village by creating awareness about waste segregation and launching a ‘Bring Your Own Bag’ campaign to reduce plastic use. They also organized the Parivartane programme to raise awareness against gender-based violence, and as a result, no related cases have been reported in the area.
Actively participating in all gram panchayat meetings, the group also implemented a streetlight system under the Grameena Samruddhi Sthitistapaka Yojana in their ward.
Currently, the group has 11 members: Manisha, Champavathi, Sumathi, Sunitha C, Vanitha, Sulochana, Jayanti, Yashoda, Rohini B, Vanitha B, and Harshita.
Having earlier won the Best SHG Award in Dakshina Kannada district for 2024–25, along with a cash prize of Rs 75,000 and a citation on International Women’s Day, the Siddhivinayaka SHG has now achieved state-level recognition with the Kaushalya Karnataka Award.
Recently, the group also submitted a proposal to manage an Akka Café, marking yet another milestone in their journey of empowerment—truly reflecting the story of ‘Lakshpati Women’.
The Siddhivinayaka SHG stands today as a beacon of rural women’s self-reliance, driven by community cooperation, Sanjeevini’s guidance, and the members’ own determination. Their success serves as an inspiration for holistic social development.
The award presentation ceremony will be held on Thursday at Hotel The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru, as part of the Bengaluru Skill Summit (Shrunga Sabha).
“This is my first visit to Bengaluru. I am overjoyed that our group has been recognized by the government. I am deeply grateful to all the officials who guided us,” Manisha, member, Siddhivinayaka self-help group.