Mangaluru: Stating that financial assistance extended to women invariably benefits entire families, Karnataka’s Medical Education and Skill Development Minister Dr Sharan Prakash Patil said the State government is committed to empowering women through focused, women-centric schemes that ensure dignity and economic progress.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the national-level “Saras Mela” — an exhibition and sale of products made by women from self-help groups (SHGs) — at the Karavali Utsav Grounds in Mangaluru. The mela will continue until February 28 and features participation from women’s groups across several states and districts.
Women at the centre of economic growth
Mangaluru witnessed a vibrant start to the event as Dr Patil emphasised that real transformation in the lives of ordinary citizens can only occur when family incomes rise. “If prosperity is to reach the country and rural households are to see higher incomes, it is possible only through women. That is the firm resolve of the government,” he said.
Highlighting ongoing initiatives, he noted that every year revolving fund capital is provided to Gram Panchayat-level federations of self-help groups. Each federation receives ₹1.5 lakh as capital support. With more than 5,000 such federations functioning across the state, the programme has emerged as a crucial tool in strengthening grassroots women’s institutions.
“So far, nearly ₹70 crore has been provided to Mangaluru through various schemes,” he added, underlining the scale of financial commitment aimed at enhancing women’s livelihoods.
The minister said that women tend to channel financial support towards the welfare, education and advancement of their families, thereby multiplying the impact of government assistance.
From Bengaluru to districts
The Saras Mela, earlier known for being held in Bengaluru, has now been extended to districts to ensure wider reach and participation. Dr Patil recalled that the Akka Food Mela was previously organised in the capital city. With the intention of decentralising the event, it was held in Kalaburagi last year and is being hosted in Mangaluru this year.
More than 100 stalls have been set up at the venue, displaying products crafted by women from self-help groups across India. An Akka Food Court is also a major attraction, drawing large crowds.
The objective of bringing the mela to coastal Karnataka, the minister said, is to introduce local residents to SHGs from various parts of the country and to provide artisans a wider marketplace. Given the region’s strong interest in handicrafts, the event is expected to generate substantial business for participants.
MLA Vedavyas Kamath presided over the programme.
Leaders highlight self-reliance
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly U.T. Khader inaugurated the Saras Mela by symbolically blossoming a coconut flower. He described the mela as more than just a trade platform, calling it a celebration of the strength, resilience and self-reliance of rural women.
He noted that women from the coastal belt have earned recognition in sectors such as cashew processing, fisheries and the beedi industry. Through their efforts, many have ensured higher education and improved futures for their children.
Among those present were MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta, Cashew Development Corporation Chairperson Mamatha Gatti, MUDA President Sadashiva Ullal, Konkani Academy President Stany Alvares, Skill Development Department Secretary Manoj Kumar Meena, NRLM Mission Director Jyoshna, Deputy Commissioner Darshan H.V., and Zilla Panchayat CEO Vinayaka Narvade.
Strong demand for traditional products
On the opening day, the mela witnessed enthusiastic public response. Earthen pots, sarees and a wide array of traditional snacks prepared by women under the Akka Food initiative saw brisk sales.
Stalls are showcasing products from SHGs representing states such as Odisha, Chandigarh, Kerala, Assam, West Bengal, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, in addition to various districts of Karnataka.
Visitors can explore Kalamkari sarees from Andhra Pradesh, Pochampally sarees from Telangana, embroidered sarees from Assam, handlooms from Tripura and West Bengal, handicrafts from Uttar Pradesh, and numerous household and food products.
From Karnataka, items such as Channapatna wooden toys, Kinnal toys from Koppal, Ilkal sarees and fibre-based bags are on display, reflecting the state’s diverse craft traditions.
The Akka Cafe has emerged as a crowd-puller, offering jackfruit fritters, jackfruit sheera, jackfruit payasam, fresh fruit juices, churmuri, holige, neer dosa and other regional delicacies. The vibrant atmosphere at the Karavali Utsav Grounds underscores the growing recognition of women-led enterprises as engines of rural development.
As the mela continues through February 28, organisers expect increased footfall over the weekend, further strengthening market linkages for women entrepreneurs and advancing the broader goal of inclusive economic growth.