Governor graces 18th SARAS Aajeevika Mela Sales of over Rs 1.2 Cr logged
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 06 2026: Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla attended the closing ceremony of the 18th SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2026 at the City Convention Centre, Imphal today.

Organised by the Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM) under the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, the mela provided a platform for rural women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from the hills and valley to showcase their products, promote their enterprises and explore wider market opportunities.

The mela marked the revival of SARAS Keithel with participating SHGs recording sales of over Rs 1.2 crore.

Governor graces 18th SARAS Aajeevika Mela Sales of over Rs 1.2 Cr logged

Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen joined the programme virtually.

Commissioner, RD&PR, Sumant Singh; State Mission Director, MSRLM, Mahesh Hiralal Chaudhari; and General Manager, NABARD, Ramalingam Kasinathan attended the closing ceremony.

The Governor inspected various stalls set up at the mela and interacted with the participating SHG members, appreciating their efforts in promoting local handloom, handicrafts and indigenous products.

The Governor presented awards and certificates of appreciation to outstanding Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in recognition of their achievements and exemplary performance.

Addressing the closing ceremony, Bhalla stated that the SARAS Fair was not merely a platform for showcasing local products, but an important avenue for empowering rural women entrepreneurs, strengthening Self-Help Groups and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.

He highlighted the significance of the Buyer-Seller Meet in connecting SHGs with wider markets and encouraged women entrepreneurs to focus on maintaining product quality, innovation and digital platforms to expand their reach.

Bhalla further stressed the importance of preserving Manipur's traditional skills and cultural identity while promoting 'Made in Manipur' as a mark of quality, authenticity and excellence.

Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen highlighted the significance of the revival of SARAS Keithel, noting that the fair provided an important platform for rural women entrepreneurs, artisans and producers from the hills and valleys to showcase their products and enterprise.

Sumant Singh, Commissioner, RD &PR, highlighted that the record sales of over Rs 1.2 crore marked the highest-ever sales at a SARAS Fair.

He noted that Manipur's strong tradition of women-led enterprises is reflected in the success of Self-Help Groups, and said it presents immense potential for rural economic growth.

He stated that the Government aims to empower one lakh Lakhpati Didis by 2029 and enable SHGs to grow into sustainable and scalable enterprises.