Celebrating Womens Empowerment At 5th Meghalaya Aajivika Saras Mela

The beautiful city of Shillong, nestled in the northeastern state of Meghalaya, recently became a vibrant hub of creativity and entrepreneurship through the 5th Meghalaya Aajivika Saras Mela 2024. Organized by the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS) in collaboration with the Government and USHA, the fair celebrated the incredible journey of women entrepreneurs, showcasing handmade crafts and traditional products from self-help groups.

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This event had a special focus on women trained at the various USHA Training cum Production Centres, aimed at empowering them to innovate and create sustainable livelihoods. The fair served not just as a marketplace but as a movement geared towards uplifting grassroots entrepreneurs and celebrating the strength of community-led businesses.

Ms. Rinky Kyndait, State Mission Manager at MSRLS, remarked on the partnership with USHA, stating,

"We've been working together for 4 to 5 years, and integrating USHA's products into the fair allowed us to give a face to the women behind the crafts."

This partnership has provided vital support to numerous women, enabling them to showcase both their products and themselves as empowered individuals.

One of the beneficiaries, Roshnika Khongwet, expressed her gratitude, saying,

“I feel very happy participating here and want to thank MSRLS and USHA for their support.”

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A major highlight of this year's Saras Mela was a vibrant fashion show that showcased women's confidence, creativity, and self-reliance.

Kishore, Program Coordinator at USHA International, said,

“Women are now identifying market demands and managing the entire process, from packaging to branding.”

The Chief Guest, Shri Frederick Roy Kharkongor, Principal Secretary of Meghalaya, expressed pride in the diverse range of products on display, celebrating the union of craft, culture, and creativity.

As the event closed, the stories of these women entrepreneurs served as an inspiring reminder that with the right support, dreams can indeed take flight. The Saras Mela not only showcased creative talents but also reaffirmed the collective strength of women working toward a brighter, empowered future.