NIRDPR is organising 17th ‘Rural Technology and Crafts Mela’ from 29th November to 3rd December 2019
Hyderabad: Governor of Telangana Dr Tamilisai Soundarajan will inaugurate the “17th Rural Technology and Crafts Mela” which is being organised by the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), Hyderabad, as a part of its Foundation Day celebrations. The five-day long mela will be inaugurated on the 29th November at 4.00 pm at the NIRDPR Campus Rajendra Nagar, Hyderabad.
The mela is successfully being conducted by NIRDPR since the year 2003. Over the years, the mela has played a vital role in changing the lives of numerous artisans, self-help groups and entrepreneurs from various parts of the country. The theme of this year’s mela is “Women Entrepreneurship”. The theme has been selected in order to reinforce the importance of empowering women which can lead to play a greater role in building the family which is a very important factor for building a happy and healthy nation. “Women Entrepreneur” is a person who accepts challenging role to meet her personal needs and become economically independent. The concept of “Women Entrepreneurship” is becoming a global phenomenon and is catching up in India as well. The women entrepreneurship has been recognised as an important untapped source of economic growth.
In line with the theme, over 185 Self Help Groups (SHGs) women and 350 Self Help Group members from 24 states & 122 districts of the country have been invited for the mela to showcase their beautiful work this year. The State Livelihood Missions have taken steps to sponsor these women entrepreneurs. The list of products which are going to be displayed in the 200 stalls erected in this year’s Mela, include various traditional and rural products such as bamboo and wood crafts, jute and leather products, organic and millet products, traditional and tribal jewellery, clay and terracota products, brass and bell metal works, madhubani and mithali paintings, handloom and embroidery works, traditional pickles and papads, woollen and silk products, etc.
Speaking to the Media during the press conference, Director General of NIRDPR, Dr WR Reddy, IAS, said, “Such Melas are an effective platform for promoting products of rural artisans, craftsmen, SHGs and rural entrepreneurs. It is an opportunity for people to appreciate and support the initiatives of talented women entrepreneurs from rural areas of our country. By choosing to buy these unique products will go a long way in instilling confidence among these deserving women who have ventured into the world of entrepreneurship”.
In addition, a variety of folk and traditional cultural programmes being organised during the Mela. Apart from local talent, various renowned cultural groups from various states, including artists from South Central Cultural Zones of Nagpur and Thanjavour, have been invited to enthral the public by their skilful performances on this occasion. In addition, various safety measures and public amenities, including a kid’s play zone, have been taken up to ensure smooth conduct of the mela. The food court which has been created as part of the mela is unique as the local delicacies from various states are being served. The popular “Fish Festival” is being organised as part of the sub-event of the mela with the support of the National Fisheries Development Board. The event is co-sponsored by NABARD, NFDB, State Bank of India and DDUGKY partners.
The “Rural Technology and Crafts Mela” is one of the important annual public events annually conducted in the city of Hyderabad for promoting rural entrepreneurs and artisans with extreme grandeur. The mela also helps in creating awareness among people living in and around Hyderabad city on products made in rural parts of India directly from the producers of these items. It is hoped that the people of Hyderabad and the Women Entrepreneurs will mutually benefit from the event.