DC calls women SHGs catalysts of social change
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, November 12 2024: The 17th Regional SARAS Fair of 2024, a week-long event held at the Sanyi Dahrii Memorial Sports Complex in Senapati, concluded on Tuesday with Senapati deputy commissioner Mamoni Doley as chief guest and Willong & Paomata SDO Reikimdar Khaling as guest of honour.

The fair held with the aim to provide a market platform for rural Self-Help Groups (SHGs) supported by MSRLM, enabled participants from across the state to exhibit and sell local products.

Its core objectives were to empower rural women, enhance household income, and foster sustainable livelihoods through SHG activities, with a focus on handloom, handicrafts, agriculture, and food products.

During the closing ceremony, DC Mamoni highlighted the transformative role of SHG-led women entrepreneurs in achieving economic independence and breaking cycles of poverty.

By emphasising their contributions to family welfare and economic progress, Doley recognised SHG women as catalysts of social change.

She praised the fair's organisers for their efforts despite logistical challenges in the hill districts, affirming her commitment to support local women in overcoming business obstacles and encouraging them to continue advancing.

Additionally, Doley urged participants to return with innovative crafts in future events.

In her address, Reikimdar Khaling lauded the SHGs' dedication and expressed pride in seeing women emerge from traditional domestic roles to actively participate in economic pursuits.

Khaling stressed the fair's importance in building participants' confidence, teaching financial management, and promoting inter-district networking among SHGs.

She underscored the value of preserving and promoting local handloom and handicrafts, encouraging participants to expand their production to attract more buyers.

This year's fair, the first of its kind in the hill districts, saw participation from 166 SHGs from Tengnoupal, Chandel, Tamenglong, Noney, Imphal West, Ukhrul, Kangpokpi and Senapati.

They operated 83 stalls.

Awards were presented to outstanding SHGs in categories like handicrafts, handloom, agri-products and food.

The award for best handicraft was presented to Tacham SHG, the handloom award to Totsii SHG, the veg/fruits/florist award to Bophe SHG, and the best food stall award to Somazhi SHG.

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