President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the national-level SARAS Aajeevika Mela in Vijayawada on October 15, providing a platform for rural women entrepreneurs to showcase and sell products made through self-help groups. The event, scheduled to take place at Punnami Ghat, is being organised jointly by the Union Ministry of Rural Development and the Andhra Pradesh government. More than 600 stalls will feature products from women’s self-help groups representing different parts of the country.
The two-day presidential visit to Andhra Pradesh is scheduled for October 14 and 15. According to the itinerary, Murmu will arrive at Gannavaram Airport at 6.25 pm on October 14 before travelling to the Kanaka Durga temple at Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada. She is scheduled to offer prayers at the temple between 7.20 pm and 7.40 pm before staying overnight in the city.
On October 15, the President will reach Punnami Ghat at around 11.30 am to inaugurate the SARAS Aajeevika Mela. Following the inauguration, she will attend a luncheon with members of self-help groups and beneficiaries of the Lakhpati Didi initiative. She is expected to leave for Gannavaram Airport at 2.45 pm before departing for New Delhi, according to the announced schedule.
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The mela aims to strengthen rural livelihoods by helping women entrepreneurs market their products directly to consumers. Items on display are expected to include handicrafts, handloom textiles, locally made goods and other products developed by self-help groups. Such events can help rural producers expand their customer base, improve product visibility and explore opportunities to increase household incomes through entrepreneurship.
The Lakhpati Didi initiative seeks to support women associated with self-help groups in building sustainable livelihoods and achieving greater financial independence. By bringing together women entrepreneurs from different states and Union Territories, the national fair is expected to facilitate the exchange of business ideas and showcase the diversity of rural products. The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to promote women's economic participation and self-employment.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad has reviewed preparations for the President's visit through a virtual meeting with officials from various departments. He directed them to follow protocol requirements and the guidelines issued by the President's Secretariat, with particular emphasis on ensuring that the itinerary is followed without delays. Officials have been instructed to coordinate arrangements across departments to ensure the smooth conduct of the visit and the inauguration ceremony.
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