BENGALURU, 23 FEB

In a bid to empower women and promote self-reliance, the State will host National Saras Mela and a trade fair at National College ground here from 29 February to 9 March. 

The fair aims to showcase the talent and products of over 250 women self-help groups from across the country. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Skill Development and Livelihood Minister Sharan Prakash Patil, MLAs ST Somashekar, Srinivas and senior officials were present during the launch of the logo for the mela here on Friday.

Beyond product display, Namma Saras Mela facilitates knowledge sharing and capacity building for women entrepreneurs. Daily sessions will address topics like product quality improvement, food processing, and market strategies, empowering participants to enhance their offerings and reach new customers.

“The future of the country depends on the women and youth. These small-scale businesses started by thousands of women in our country will be the future success of our country,” Shivakumar said. “We have seen many of the big-scale businesses take over and make a profit in our country. Now it is time we recognise our own people’s talent and hard work and give them the chance to come forward in life. We do not realise it yet, but it is our own resources that these foreign businessmen use to make something new and sell it to us. If we start to make use of these resources by ourselves, it can take our country to another level,” Shivakumar said.

Highlighting the variety of offerings that will be present at the Mela, Patil said, "The variety of handicrafts and food products produced by SHGs across Karnataka will be exhibited and well-known artistes will also perform."