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Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta today formally inaugurated the grand SARAS Livelihood Fair in a bid to strengthen the resolve of ‘Vocal for Local’ under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and to take a pledge to adopt ‘swadeshi’ (indigenous goods). On this occasion, Union Ministers of State Dr. Chandrasekhar Pemmasani and Shri Kamlesh Paswan, Secretary of the Union Ministry of Rural Development Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, Delhi Chief Secretary Shri Dharmendra, a large number of ‘Lakhpati Didis’ from Self-Help Groups, senior officials and several public representatives were present.

Organised by the Union Ministry of Rural Development, the SARAS Livelihood Fair is being held at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, Delhi, from September 5 till September 22. More than 400 ‘Lakhpati Didis’ from self-help groups are showcasing their excellent products, which were observed by Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and other guests. They wholeheartedly praised the work of the self-help groups and rural entrepreneurs who have played a significant role in empowering communities, enhancing livelihoods and contributing to the national economy. The guests visited the exhibition area, interacted with members of the self-help groups and appreciated the diversity and quality of the displayed products. The India Food Court is offering traditional and delicious cuisines from various states, while cultural programmes with the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ are being organised daily.

Speaking at the event, Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that this fair represents a vision of a new India – self-reliant and empowered. He said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s goal is to make India a developed nation by 2047, and for this, adopting ‘swadeshi’ is essential. “We must buy and adopt swadeshi products, and by doing so our country will become stronger,” he said. He also administered a pledge to all the ‘Didis’ and other attendees to adopt ‘swadeshi’.

Shri Shivraj Singh said that more than 2 crore ‘Didis’ have already become ‘Lakhpatis’ and soon this number will cross 3 crore. He also invited the ‘Lakhpati Didis’ present at the fair to visit his residence and share a community meal with him. The Union Minister further expressed his commitment, along with the Delhi government and Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta, to provide Delhi residents with the benefits of all Central Government schemes, which they were deprived of under the previous government. He appealed to the people of Delhi and nearby areas to visit the SARAS Livelihood Fair with their families.

Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta appreciated the hard work of the ‘Lakhpati Didis’ and the efforts of the Ministry of Rural Development in organising this fair in Delhi. She said, “Under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we will take Delhi further ahead. Our government is making our sisters self-reliant and economically empowered.”

 

 

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SARAS Livelihood Fair: A National Platform for Rural Prosperity

The SARAS Livelihood Fair, organised annually by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, is one of the country’s largest platforms, where rural self-help groups get the opportunity to showcase and sell their products. This fair not only connects rural producers with markets but also promotes the spirit of ‘Vocal for Local’, and plays an important role in realising the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India). The Ministry of Rural Development has appealed to all citizens, industry representatives and policymakers to visit the fair, support rural women entrepreneurs, and experience India’s rich craft and cultural heritage.

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