Vijayawada, October 15, 2026: President of India Droupadi Murmu on Thursday attended the National SARAS Mela in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, emphasising the important role of women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and rural entrepreneurship in promoting inclusive development and strengthening village economies.
The National SARAS Mela has been organised by the Union Ministry of Rural Development in collaboration with the Government of Andhra Pradesh. During her visit, the President toured various exhibition stalls and interacted with Lakhpati Didis, recognising the growing contribution of rural women to entrepreneurship and economic development.
Women’s Self-Help Groups Strengthening Rural Economy
Addressing the gathering, President Murmu highlighted the significant role played by rural women in agriculture, community development and household economic well-being. She noted that Self-Help Groups have opened new avenues for women’s financial, technical and social empowerment.
The President observed that the increasing participation of women in entrepreneurship has also strengthened their involvement in economic decision-making. She stressed that empowering rural women is essential for ensuring equitable and inclusive development across the country.
Highlighting the expansion of the SHG movement, Murmu said that more than 10 crore women are now associated with over 90 lakh Self-Help Groups. Their participation has helped improve family incomes, expand collective business opportunities and support women-centred rural development.
She also acknowledged the contribution of SHGs to community activities and their role in transforming rural life through collective initiatives.
Lakhpati Didi Initiative Opens New Opportunities
The President highlighted the contribution of the government’s Lakhpati Didi initiative in accelerating rural women’s economic empowerment. She noted that women are increasingly exploring opportunities in emerging sectors, including digital services and renewable energy, creating fresh possibilities for skill development and entrepreneurship.
Murmu said rural women are no longer merely beneficiaries of government programmes but are increasingly becoming wealth creators and active drivers of development.
However, she emphasised that further efforts are needed to strengthen women’s control over their income and assets. She also called attention to the importance of community-based support systems for domestic care responsibilities and greater participation of rural women in climate-resilient enterprises.
SARAS Mela Connects Rural Entrepreneurs With Consumers
Describing SARAS Melas as important platforms for strengthening the rural economy, the President said these fairs have developed into vibrant marketplaces connecting rural women entrepreneurs directly with consumers.
The exhibitions provide women-led enterprises with opportunities to showcase their products, reach wider markets and expand their businesses. Such platforms can help strengthen local livelihoods while encouraging collective entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance.
President Murmu stressed that achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 requires development benefits to reach every village and household. She expressed confidence that Self-Help Groups and SARAS Melas can play a leading role in advancing this goal.
Over 650 Stalls at National SARAS Mela
The ongoing edition of the National SARAS Mela features around 1,500 women entrepreneurs associated with Self-Help Groups and Lakhpati Didis from 34 States and Union Territories.
More than 650 stalls have been established to showcase their products and entrepreneurial initiatives. The fair will remain open to visitors until October 31, 2026, offering a platform for rural producers to connect with customers and promote their enterprises.
The event highlights the growing importance of women-led businesses in rural economic development and reinforces the role of collective enterprise in building a more inclusive and self-reliant rural economy.
