President Droupadi Murmu has called for greater economic empowerment of rural women, asserting that their active participation in nation-building will be crucial to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat before 2047. The President inaugurated the National SARAS Mela 2026 in Vijayawada today in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and several Union and State Ministers.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Murmu said that women associated with self-help groups were becoming self-reliant and contributing significantly to their families, the rural economy and national development. She said self-help groups had created livelihood opportunities for women in agriculture, animal husbandry and small businesses.

 

Describing the SARAS Mela as an important platform for rural development, the President said it enabled women entrepreneurs to showcase their products, connect directly with consumers and access urban markets. She also highlighted efforts to promote Andhra Pradesh’s traditional crafts, including Kalamkari and toy-making, through the fair.

Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the target of creating three crore Lakhpati Didis had been achieved ahead of schedule. The Centre has now set a target of six crore Lakhpati Didis, with three-and-a-half crore women already achieving the milestone, he said.

 

Mr. Chouhan highlighted the role of training, financial assistance and government support in promoting women’s economic independence. He said the SARAS Mela, being organised in Vijayawada for the first time outside Delhi, provides an important platform for self-help groups to market their products. He added that the government aims to provide better marketing opportunities in every district, with Andhra Pradesh serving as a model. Union Ministers K. Ram Mohan Naidu, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar and Kamlesh Paswan, along with other dignitaries, officials and Lakhpati Didis, attended the event.