Journeys of Lakhpati Didis building Crore-Rupee Enterprises at National SARAS Mela 2026

The First National SARAS Mela 2026, held at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada, is organized by the Ministry of Rural Development in collaboration with the Government of Andhra Pradesh and supported by NABARD, NIRDPR, and Kudumbashree. The event showcases traditional crafts, entrepreneurship, and the transformative journeys of women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) who have advanced towards becoming 'Lakhpati Didis' under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). The Mela highlights individual case studies of women entrepreneurs running diverse micro and small enterprises—ranging from woodcarving and ethnic wear to ragi processing and cashew-nut value addition—achieving multi-lakh to crore-rupee turnovers. The inauguration featured an address by the President of India regarding women's economic independence and asset control.