The spirit of women's entrepreneurship and traditional craftsmanship took center stage in Kanpur as the Saras livelihood fair opened to the public on Sunday noon. The event served as a vibrant platform for women-led self-help groups (SHGs) to showcase and sell their products, with several representatives receiving felicitation for their outstanding work.
A Marketplace of Tradition and Enterprise
The fair featured an impressive array of 60 stalls, each managed by women entrepreneurs from various self-help groups. Visitors were treated to a diverse range of goods that highlighted local skill and tradition. The offerings included beauty and perfume products, traditional clothing like Jamdani sarees, intricate handicrafts, household items, Sakhi leather goods, organic plants, healthcare products, agricultural produce, and sanitation solutions. A special section, 'Saras Taste,' was dedicated to health-focused food items manufactured by these groups.
Honouring the Trailblazers
The fair was not just a marketplace but also a celebration of achievement. Several women were felicitated for their leadership and product excellence. The honoured entrepreneurs included:
- Seema Devi for Jamdani saree and suit manufacturing.
- Ritu from the Maa Durga SHG for spice production.
- Sangeeta Singh representing a Millet produce self-help group.
- Akansha Rajia of the Kiran SHG for boutique and garment production.
- Mansi for creating domestic decorative products.
Dignitaries Champion the Cause of Self-Reliance
The fair was formally inaugurated by Chief Guest Satish Mahana, Speaker of the UP Legislative Assembly. Addressing the gathering, Mahana emphasized that harmony is a core tenet of Indian culture. He stated that events like the Saras fair play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage, from traditional foods and handicrafts to everyday necessities. "Self-confidence and a desire to create their own identity are visible among women of the self-help group," he added, applauding their spirit.
Minister in-charge Yogendra Upadhyay connected the event to the national vision, stating that the mantra of "adopting indigenous products" forms the foundation of a developed India. He stressed that the goal of a self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat) can only be achieved by actively promoting and purchasing local products.
Local administration officials underscored their support. District Magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh confirmed that, following state government instructions, all necessary facilities were provided to the women participants at the fair. Chief Development Officer Deeksha Jain highlighted the practical impact, noting that such events provide rural women with direct access to markets, accelerating their journey toward economic self-reliance.
Award-Winning Products Steal the Show
Beyond the felicitations, numerous products received special recognition and witnessed high customer demand. The home decorative items by Meera Devi of the Mansi Group (Kanpur Dehat) and spices by Sudha Devi of the Vaishnavi Group made a significant mark.
Particularly popular were the rose water and perfumed products presented by Taravati of the Gaurishankar Group from Kannauj and the flower lamps crafted by Radhika of the Parvati Group. Their stalls were continuously crowded, and they received awards for their exceptional offerings.
Other products in great demand included the beauty and perfume items by Reema of the Vikas Group (Auraiya), Amla products by Menka of the Ganga Devi Group, phenyl-handwash by Manju of the Janhit Group (Farrukhabad), and saree-suit and dupatta collections by Alka Pal of the Jai Bhole Group, all of which were included in the award-winning list.
The Saras livelihood fair in Kanpur successfully demonstrated how empowering women at the grassroots level fuels both cultural preservation and economic growth, turning local talent into a engine for sustainable development.
