Srinagar, Oct 27 (KNO): The SARAS Mela underway in Srinagar is bringing together women entrepreneurs from 17 states, providing a platform for rural women to showcase and market their products while promoting cultural and economic exchange.
Speaking on the sidelines of the mela at Polo Ground Park, Srinagar, Mission Director of the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM), UMEED, Dr Shubhra Sharma, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the event reflects the diversity of the country and aims to present a glimpse of "Mini India" to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The fourth edition of the SARAS Mela, being held from October 25 to November 3, features around 80 stalls, including nearly half from various districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sharma said the primary objective of the mela is to provide women associated with self-help groups (SHGs) a marketing platform to display and sell their products, helping strengthen their livelihoods and economic independence.
She said the event also enables women entrepreneurs to interact with participants from other states, exchange ideas and learn about new products and business opportunities.
Officials said the mela offers visitors an opportunity to explore a wide range of products made by rural women from Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country.
The SARAS Mela is aimed at expanding market access for SHG members and empowering rural women through entrepreneurship and income-generation opportunities—(KNO)