Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 15 November 2025
The much-awaited Saras Mela 2025 was inaugurated on Friday at the ITF Ground by Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, A&N Islands, and Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration. The ceremony, held in the presence of Ms. Geeta Rani Verma, IPS, IGP, and other senior officials, witnessed enthusiastic participation from SHGs, artisans, and visitors from across the Islands and three other States.
The event was also attended by Mr. Rajesh Chopra, Secretary (RD); Dr. Apurva Sharma, Director (RD/P); and PRIs, who lauded the efforts of the Rural Development Department and SHG women in promoting traditional crafts, local products, and rural entrepreneurship.
Saras Mela 2025 brings together Self-Help Groups from various States, offering a vibrant display of handloom, handicrafts, tribal crafts, organic food products, traditional cuisines, and captivating cultural performances. The mela aims to strengthen marketing linkages for rural producers, enhance livelihood opportunities, and celebrate India’s cultural richness.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of empowering rural women through sustainable livelihood activities and appreciated the significant role played by SHGs in uplifting the rural economy.
The mela will remain open to the public in the coming days, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the diversity and vibrancy of rural India under one roof.
