The Punjab Sakhi Shakti Mela of 2025, currently underway at Ranbir College in Sangrur, has become a vibrant hub of economic activity, drawing visitors and buyers from across the entire district. This event provides a significant boost to home-based artisans and craftswomen, offering them a platform to showcase and sell their products directly to the public.
From Homemaker to Business Leader: The Mamta Rani Story
Among the many success stories at the fair, Mamta Rani, a 45-year-old homemaker, stands out as a powerful inspiration. Five years ago, she, along with ten other women from Kanakwal Bhanguan village, formed the Baba Kapoor Das Self-Help Group. Their entrepreneurial journey began modestly with the production of laundry detergent. Recognizing the market potential, they soon expanded their product line to include phenyl and dishwashing liquid.
Today, their business portfolio has diversified remarkably. The group now manufactures and sells a wide range of goods, including honey, turmeric, tea masala, garam masala, soap, toilet cleaner, and floor cleaner. Mamta revealed that their initial investment was a mere Rs 20,000, but through persistent effort, their annual business has now surpassed Rs 2 lakh, demonstrating a tenfold growth.
Government Support Fuels Rural Entrepreneurship
Mamta credits their success to the technical training they received. Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kheri and Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, provided a crucial one-week training program before the group commenced production. Furthermore, under the PAHAL institution, the Sangrur district administration permitted them to establish a weekly market at the local BSNL Park, which became a consistent sales channel for their products.
Looking to the future, Mamta announced that the group is preparing to start selling their products online, tapping into the digital marketplace to reach a wider audience. She passionately appealed to other homemakers to step out of their comfort zones and embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys.
A Platform for Empowerment and Economic Strength
Sukhchain Singh Pappra, ADC (rural development), emphasized that the Punjab Sakhi Shakti Mela is specifically designed to provide a platform for home-based artisans and craftspeople like Mamta Rani. He invited residents to participate enthusiastically in the fair, which is scheduled to run until November 30.
Mamta's final message was one of encouragement and practical advice. She urged women to explore opportunities under the Punjab State Rural Livelihood Mission. "By availing government schemes, women can play a vital role in strengthening the household economy," she stated. She advised aspiring entrepreneurs to contact Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kheri or the office of the additional deputy commissioner (rural development), Sangrur, to begin their own transformative journeys.
