The vibrant city of Kanpur is set to host a grand celebration of rural entrepreneurship and craftsmanship with the Saras Aajivika Mela. This significant event will take place at the scenic Moti Jheel lawn from January 4 to 6, offering a platform for products created by self-help groups (SHGs) to shine.
Inauguration and Distinguished Guests
The fair is scheduled for a formal inauguration on January 4 at 1 PM. The ceremony will be graced by Satish Mahana, the esteemed Speaker of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, who will inaugurate the event. Adding to the occasion's significance, Yogendra Upadhyaya, the Incharge Minister, will attend as the special guest.
A Marketplace of Rural Innovation
Visitors can explore a diverse array of goods at the mela, which will feature a total of 60 stalls. The distribution highlights local participation, with 29 stalls managed by self-help groups from Kanpur Nagar district itself. The remaining 31 stalls will represent SHGs from five other districts within the division, ensuring a wide variety of regional specialties.
The product range promises something for everyone, designed to attract a broad audience. The fair will showcase:
- Beauty and fragrance products
- Traditional apparel and textile collections
- Rural lighting solutions and household consumer goods
- Exquisite traditional handicrafts
- Sakhi brand leather products
- Organic plants and fresh agricultural produce
- Items for havan and puja ceremonies
- Innovative sanitation solutions
- Delicious food items and products with health benefits
Student Partnership for Empowerment
Adding an innovative layer to the event, 60 BBA students from Maharana Pratap College will actively participate. These students will partner with the women of the self-help groups, assisting them in marketing and promoting their products for sale. Beyond sales support, the students will also undertake a practical project, preparing a brief analytical report on the products and sales performance, linking academic learning with grassroots economic activity.
The district administration has extended a heartfelt appeal to the public. They are encouraging a maximum number of people to visit the fair and participate in making it a resounding success. The event is envisioned not just as a marketplace, but as a dedicated celebration of rural culture, self-reliance, and women empowerment. By attending, citizens can directly contribute to sustaining the livelihoods of rural artisans and entrepreneurs, making the mela a cornerstone for community support and economic growth.
