Union Minister visits ‘Saras Mela’

Metro India News | VIJAYAWADA

Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, visited the National SARAS Mela–2026 being organized jointly by the Central and Andhra Pradesh State Governments at Punnami Ghat, Vijayawada. The Mela marks the first National SARAS Mela to be organized outside the National Capital Region (NCR), Delhi. During an interactive session at the Meet & Greet Pavilion, the Minister interacted with Lakhpati Didis and women entrepreneurs representing Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from across the country.

Emphasizing the importance of product presentation, she advised the women entrepreneurs to focus on attractive and quality packaging, noting that improved packaging can enhance product appeal, attract customers and help increase sales. Minister Bambhaniya highlighted the vision of Prime Minister in empowering Lakhpati Didis and enabling rural women to become financially independent and self-reliant. She appreciated the transformation of SHG women from wage earners into entrepreneurs who are creating livelihood opportunities and generating employment for others.

The Minister expressed her happiness at visiting Vijayawada for this landmark edition of the National SARAS Mela, being organized outside NCR, Delhi, for the first time. She expressed confidence that the initiative would encourage wider participation by States in future editions and create greater opportunities for women-led enterprises across the country. Describing women as embodiments of Devi Shakti, she commended their dedication, entrepreneurial spirit and contribution to society. She conveyed her happiness at meeting the Lakhpati Didis and appreciated their efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods through enterprise and innovation.

Following the interaction, the Minister toured the exhibition stalls, viewed the diverse products showcased by SHG women from different States and encouraged the participating women entrepreneurs. Her visit reaffirmed the importance of supporting women-led enterprises through better product presentation, market access and opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.