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National Saras Mela to be held at Alappuzha; Winner of the Logo Tagline Competition Announced

Alappuzha will be the venue for the National Saras Mela organized by Kudumbashree, bringing together the products of rural entrepreneurs of India under one roof. The fair, which will be held from 20-31 January 2025 at the Chengannur Municipal Stadium, will be complemented by an outdoor food court offering traditional cuisines from various states of India and cultural events. Entry to the fair, which is held in a 1.5 lakh square feet pavilion, is absolutely free.

Shri. Nithin. S, a native of Seethathodu of Pathanamthitta district, participated in the competition to find the logo and tagline of Saras Mela and became the winner. The tagline of the fair is 'Onnayi Valarnn Akasha Chirakil' (Growing together on the wings of the sky). Shri. Saji Cherian, Minster for Fisheries and Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala released the logo of Saras Fair by presenting to Shri. Roy Kottarachira, President, Alappuzha Press Club during the function held at Alappuzha Press Club on 8 November 2024.

The exhibition market stalls from 28 states including Kerala will have handicrafts, jewellery, textiles, household items and daily use items. One can also enjoy food from the food court with 30 stalls. Every day there will be cultural programmes and seminars in the fair. In addition, there will be an amusement park, flower show, pet show and book fair.

The Organizing Committee with Shri. Saji Cherian, Minister as Chairman and Shri. Alex Varghese IAS, District Collector, Alappuzha as General Convener, Shri. Ranjith S., District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Alappuzha District Mission as Convener and 18 sub-committees are working for the success of the fair.

There is also an opportunity to win cash prizes by participating in poster, mascot design and theme song contests as part of the fair. The mascot and poster should be prepared in harmony with the unique cultural identity, artistic presence and local characteristics of Alappuzha district. The entries should be sent to sarasalp2025@gmail.com before 16 November 2024.

One can contact 9020651322, 9072102606 for more details

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National Saras Mela to be held at Alappuzha; Winner of the Logo Tagline Competition Announced

Kudumbashree Pathanamthitta District Mission starts 'Mudrapeedam' Transgender Dance School

As part of the Kudumbashree Pathanamthitta District Mission's efforts to bring together the transgender community, a dance school has been started in Adoor of Pathanamthitta District. The 'Mudrapeedam' initiative was completed as part of the Pathanamthitta District Panchayat's efforts to make the district a transgender-friendly district. Dr. R Bindu, Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice, Government of Kerala inaugurated the 'Mudrapeedam' initiative at a function held at Adoor, Pathanamthitta on 22 October 2024.

Ms. Nakshatra V. Kurup, Ms. Nirupama Niranjan, Ms. Rakhi and Ms. Mithuna who belongs to the transgender community who are also the members of Kudumbashree are at the helm of the dance school. Transgender Forums are being formed at the District Level under the auspices of Kudumbashree District Mission with the aim of bringing the transgender community to the mainstream of the society, creating a space for them to express their problems, solve their problems and develop their skills, and improve their social status and quality of life. As part of the effort to transform Pathanamthitta district into a transgender-friendly district, special schemes are also being implemented under the auspices of the Pathanamthitta District Panchayat.

Shri. Chittayam Gopakumar, Deputy Speaker, Kerala Legislative Assembly presided over the function. Shri. Jiji Mathew (Chairman, Welfare Standing Committee, Pathanamthitta District Panchayat ) Ms. Aadila. S (District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Pathanamthitta District Mission), Ms. Divya Reji Muhammad (Chairperson, Adoor Municipality), Ms. Nirupama Niranjan (Member, Transgender Social Justice Board), Ms. Beena Prabha (Vice President, District Panchayat), Shri. R. Ajaya Kumar (Chairman, Health Education Standing Committee, Pathanamthitta District Panchayat ), Shri. R. Thulaseedharan Pillai (President, Parakkode Block Panchayat), Ms. Sarah Thomas (Chairperson, District Gender Resource Centre), Ms. Asha V. S (President, Ezhamkulam Grama Panchayat ), Ms. Valsala Kumari M. V ( Chairperson, Adoor CDS), Ms. Rekha Babu (Chairperson, Ezhamkulam CDS), Ms. Beena Babu, Ms. Anu Vasanthan ( Municipal Councilor, Adoor Municipality), Shri. Sam Thomas (President, Auto Brothers), Ms. Anupa P. R (District Programme Manager, Kudumbashree Pathanamthitta District Mission) also spoke at the function.

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Kudumbashree Pathanamthitta District Mission starts 'Mudrapeedam' Transgender Dance School

Kudumbashree 'Kanas Jaga' Film Festival of Indigenous Children held at Ernakulam

Kudumbashree 'Kanas Jaga' Film Festival of Indigenous Children was held at St. Teresa's College, Ernakulam on 26-27 October 2024. Ten popular films were selected through an audience opinion poll. From these films the three most popular films were selected.'Naranga Mittayi' (Thirunelli Adivasi Comprehensive Development Project, Wayanad) bagged the First prize. 'Daaham' (Attappadi Tribal Comprehensive Development Project) bagged the second prize and 'Network' (Parambikulam Tribal Comprehensive Development Project, Palakkad) bagged the third prize for the Best Popular Movies.

Bringing the realities of indigenous people's lives to the silver screen, 'Kanas Jaga - Children's Short Film Festival of Indigenous Regions' flagged off on 27 October 2024 with a world record achievement. 'Kanas Jaga' Film Festival bagged the Talent World Record for 'Most films produced and screened by indigenous children at the same time'.

The Film Festival was started when Shri. M. B Rajesh, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Excise Department & Parliamentary Affairs Department, Government of Kerala inaugurated the festival online on 26 October 2024. More than 1000 tribal children from across the state participated in the programme. Shri. P Rajeeve, Minister for Law, Industries and Coir, Government of Kerala inaugurated the valedictory function. Adv. Anil Kumar, Mayor, Kochi Corporation presided over the function. Shri. Vishnu Unnikrishnan, Cine Actor was the Chief Guest of the function. Awards to the selected Best Films and Awards for the 102 films brought to the Film Festival were jointly distributed by the Minister, guests and officials of the Kudumbashree State and District Mission.

Top 10 Movies as Voted by Audience:

1. Network (Parambikulam Tribal Comprehensive Development Project, Palakkad)
2. Chelu (Thirunelli Tribal Comprehensive Development Project, Wayanad)

3. Daaham (Attappady Tribal Comprehensive Development Project)
4. Thiricharivu (Parambikulam Tribal Comprehensive Development Project, Palakkad)
5. Ozhukku ( Marayoor - Kanthalloor Tribal Special Project, Idukki)

6. Naranga Mittayi (Thirunelli Tribal Comprehensive Development Project, Wayanad)

7. Kick (Nilambur Tribal Special Project, Malappuram)
8. Oru Jathi Oru Matham Oru Daivam Manushyanu (Aralam Tribal Special Project, Kannur)

9. Aadyaksharam ( Malai Pandaram Tribal Special Project, Pathanamthitta)

10. Thirutt (Koraga Tribal Special Project, Kasargod)

The Awards for the Signature Song was presented to Shri. Raju. P. V., Animator, Thirunelli Tribal Comprehensive Development Project. Awards were also given to Kerala Gramin Bank and Ernakulam District Mission by the State Mission.

The films were screened in 3 venues named Siruvani, Bhavani and Sairandhri. Seminars were held on the topics 'Cultural markers of indigenous life- Literature, Cinema and Media', 'Socio-Economic Challenges in the Indigenous Sector: Innovative Survival Strategies' and 'Protection of Children's Right to Education in Indigenous Regions: A Changing Methodology of Education'. Face to Face Conversations were also organized as part of the film festival.

Kanas Jaga (Dream Place) Programme was planned with the intention of making the children of the indigenous region excel in different fields according to their aptitude. Through the 'Kanas Jaga' Programme, Kudumbashree aimed to make each and every one of them aware of the place where they live, its climate, climate changes, social problems and children's rights. Under the leadership of Kudumbashree, the project has been implemented in the first phase in the areas where the Tribal Special Projects are being implemented.

The activities were planned in such a way that every child who participated in the 'Kanas Jaga' Programme would help to nurture their senses of nature to the maximum. As part of the training, the socio-economic and cultural characteristics and shortcomings of each region were identified and the necessary solutions were presented creatively by the children themselves. In this way, 102 films were written and directed by the indigenous children themselves.

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Kudumbashree 'Kanas Jaga' Film Festival of Indigenous Children held at Ernakulam

70 Resource Persons all set in Southern Kerala to make Kerala Happy, North Region Training starts

The first state level training was organized as part of Kudumbashree's 'Happy Keralam' Project to ensure the overall welfare and upliftment of every individual and family in the Kerala society by making every family a Centre of Happiness. The three-day South Region Training for 70 Resource Persons from seven districts from Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam district was held in Kottayam from 3-5 October 2024. The training for Resource Persons in remaining districts will be from 9-11 October 2024 at Vadakara, Kozhikode.

The Happy Kerala Project is being implemented as part of the FNHW (Food, Nutrition, Health and WASH) activities of the National Rural Livelihood Mission implemented by Kudumbashree. Kudumbashree Happiness Centres will be started in 154 Model CDSs in the state.

Those trained at the State Level will participate in the activities of setting up 'Happiness Forums' at the district, CDS and ADS levels. The Happiness Forum is formed by including representatives of the Kudumbashree three-tier organizational system and representatives of local bodies. 'Edam' will also be formed at the ward level with 10 to 40 families in each ward. It will include all the families in the general society. It is in these 'Edam' formed at the ward level that a family-based micro-level plan is prepared to find out the required happiness index for each family.

Adv. K. V Bindu, President, Kottayam District Panchayat inaugurated the Southern Region Training Programme. Shri. Abhilash Diwakar, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Kottayam District Mission welcomed the gathering. Ms. Krishnakumari R,

State Assistant Programme Manager explained the project. Ms. Usha Devi, District Program Manager (Gender) delivered the vote of thanks.

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70 Resource Persons all set in Southern Kerala to make Kerala Happy, North Region Training starts

Onam Marketing Fair: Turnover of Rs 10.8 crore through Kudumbashree 'Onakani' and 'Nirapolima' Agricultural Schemes

Kudumbashree has achieved a turnover of Rs 10.8 crores through the 'Onakani' and 'Nirapolima' Agricultural Projects launched in the state under the auspices of Kudumbashree with the aim of targeting the Onam market. This was achieved through the 2014 Marketing Fairs organized across the state on the occasion of Onam. Through 'Onakani' vegetable cultivation Rs 7.82 crores was recorded and through 'Nirapolima' flower cultivation Rs 2.98 crores was recorded. About 25,000 farmers working under both schemes will benefit from this.

As a part of 'Onakani' Vegetable Cultivation, 1442.754 tonnes of vegetables were cultivated in the entire state in 6982.44 acres. Thrissur district topped in the turnover of vegetable cultivation with Rs 2.27 crores. Kottayam district came in second place with Rs 1.06 crores and Malappuram district came in the third place with Rs 67.4 lakhs.

As part of the 'Nirapolima' project, Thrissur district came in the first place in the turnover of flower cultivation. The total gain of farmers in the district is Rs 1.17 crores. Kasaragod came in the second place with a turnover of Rs 46.3 lakhs and Thiruvananthapuram district came in the third place with a turnover of Rs 29.8 lakhs.

In the floriculture sector, there has been a significant increase in the number of farmers, farm area and production this year. Last year, 1870 Farmers' Groups cultivated flowers in 870 acres, but this year 376.49 tonnes of flowers were produced by cultivating marigold, jasmine and lotus in 1301.53 acres. More than five thousand farmers participated in this.

The vegetables and fruits that Kudumbashree brought to the market at reasonable prices to prepare Onam Sadya (Feast) were a great relief to the common people. More and more farmers are getting into schemes that ensure better income with less investment. The success of Kudumbashree Onam Marketing Fair was made possible by the availability of quality products at fair prices along with good organization, coordination and participation of entrepreneurs and farmers.

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Onam Marketing Fair: Turnover of Rs 10.8 crore through Kudumbashree 'Onakani' and 'Nirapolima' Agricultural Schemes

Kanas Jaga - Young Talents prepares nine books for the Indigenous Sector

Under the leadership of Kudumbashree, the local (indigenous) children have prepared nine books as part of the Kanas Jaga (Dream Place) Special Project which was started during the last holiday. Kanas Jaga is a project to make indigenous children excel in different fields and make them self-aware of the place they live in, its climate, climate changes, social issues, children's rights and empower themselves to overcome the issues.

These books are designed by including stories and scripts prepared by children. As part of the Aralam (Kannur), Vandazhi, Parambikulam (Palakkad), Thirunelly, Noolpuzha (Wayanad), Nilambur (Malappuram), Edamalakkudy, Marayoor - Kanthalloor (Idukki), Malaipandara (Pathanamthitta), Koraga (Kasaragod), Kadar (Thrissur) and Attappady Projects, about 3000 children participated in the activities of preparing Kanas Jaga Books.

These books are a collection of writings prepared by children based on the goal of identifying their own area, understanding its features, identifying problems and finding solutions to develop creativity. Now the children are busy preparing short films based on the scripts. These Children's Short Films will be screened at the Children's Film Festival proposed to be held in November 2024.

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Kanas Jaga - Young Talents prepares nine books for the Indigenous Sector

Gender Based Issues - 3.16 Lakh Kudumbashree Gender Point Persons getting ready to support NHG Members

Kudumbashree's 3.16 lakh Gender Point Persons (GPPs) are gearing up to intervene in gender-based issues. The main task of GPPs is to support the management of gender status issues and to help each NHG member to access related services and rights. A two-day workshop to outline the framework for imparting training to GPPs at Kudumbashree NHG, ADS and CDS level was concluded in Thiruvananthapuram on 20 September 2024. One person from each Kudumbashree NHG is selected as GPP. The election of GPPs in all 3,16,386 NHGs of the state has been completed. 19,470 GPPs have been assigned to coordinate ward level activities from NHG GPPs and 1070 CDS level GPPs have been assigned to coordinate panchayat level activities from these ADS GPPs. General Awareness Training was also imparted to CDS and ADS Level GPPs.

The responsibilities of Gender Resource Persons include organizing continuous awareness programmes, classes, discussions and debates on gender status issues of NHG members, empower women and children to respond to gender discrimination, act as the NHG link of Vigilant Group, coordinate women empowerment activities at NHG level, take interventions to make NHG areas women and child friendly, register cases in ADS level and support women for solving the problem if gender issues are reported, and providing counseling with the help of Kudumbashree Snehitha Gender Help Desk.

The training activities for the effective delivery of GPP activities to NHG level will be started as a Special Campaign on a pilot basis in each selected block of 14 districts and Attappady from November. The training modules provided by the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) implemented through Kudumbashree in Kerala are developed and divided into three according to the situation of Kerala. 15 modules of training through interactive methods such as Theatre (Creative Training), Activity and Digital Technology are imparted to GPPs and through them to NHG members.

The activity category will comprise of five modules namely Gender Difference and Gender Status, Gender Status - Social Construction and Socialization, Gender Based Division of Labour, Adolescence - Welfare and Health and Child Marriage. Five modules are included under the theater category such as accessibility and control, gender difference and mobility, gender-rights and entitlements, food and nutrition, women's literacy and education. Under the Digital Technology Category there are five modules on gender-based violence, institutional systems, gender status and livelihoods, gender status and decentralization, women-specific legislation and existing laws. Along with these modules, subjects for digital literacy and personal development are also included in the training.

Dr. B Sreejith, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, Ms. Feby D. A and Shri. Arjun Prathap R.P, Office Secretarial Staff gave leadership to the Two Day Workshop held at Hotel Grand Chaithram, Thiruvananthapuram. Education experts, experts in Information and Communication Technology, Experts from the theater departments, teacher trainers, Kudumbashree District Programme Managers, Snehitha Gender Help Desk staff etc participated in the programme.

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Gender Based Issues - 3.16 Lakh Kudumbashree Gender Point Persons getting ready to support NHG Members

Onam Marketing Fairs: Kudumbashree makes a sales of Rs 28.47 crores

Kudumbashree made a turnover of Rs 28.47 crores from the Onam Marketing Fairs organized across the state under the leadership of Kudumbashree on the occasion of Onam this time. Sales of Rs 19.58 crores was made through the marketing of products of micro enterprises and sales of Rs.8.89 crores was made through the marketing of agricultural products. This achievement was achieved through the 2014 Onam Marketing Fairs organized at CDS level and District Level across the state. Kudumbashree entrepreneurs who participated in the fair will get this income.

Ernakulam district came in the first place with a turnover of Rs 3.6 crores. Alappuzha district came in the second place with Rs 3.4 crores from 164 fairs. Thrissur district came in the third place with a turnover of Rs 3.3 crores from 186 fairs. Ernakulam district is leading in the number of marketing fairs as well. A total of 205 fairs were organized in Ernakulam district. Thrissur with 186 marketing fairs and Kannur with 182 fairs were ranked second and third respectively.

There has been a remarkable increase in turnover, marketing fairs, number of agricultural microenterprise units, products and participation of entrepreneurs compared to the previous year. This year 43,359 micro enterprise units came to the fair with various products. Last year it was 28,401. This time 26,816 women farmer groups have brought agricultural products to the market. This segment saw an additional participation of 5826 units over the previous year. In this way, better products can be brought to the public market and products can be made available to the common people at a fair price. It is also noteworthy that the Government's interventions to prevent inflation were also supported through this.

Realizing the demand for flowers in the Onam market, this time more farmers were active in this field. As part of this, this time 3000 women farmers cultivated in 1253 acres including marigold, jasmine and lotus and brought flowers to the market. Last year there were 1819 farmers in 780 acres in this area. The excellent response received from the Onam market has given great enthusiasm to the entrepreneurs as well as the farmers.

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Onam Marketing Fairs: Kudumbashree makes a sales of Rs 28.47 crores

Kudumbashree 'Balasadas- Onnichirikkam Othiri Parayam' to be held in 19470 wards on 2 October 2024

'Balasadas-Onnichirikkam Othiri Parayam' will be organized in all 19470 wards of the state with the participation of Kudumbashree Balasabha members on 2 October 2024. More than four lakh children who are members of 31,612 Balasabha under Kudumbashree will participate in this programme. As part of this, the children of the Balasabha in each ward will come together and discuss the problems, crises, duties and rights they are facing.

Balasabha children from five to eighteen years of age will participate in the Balasadas. As a part of this, children will gather in nature-friendly places in each ward during 2 PM to 5 PM. The first step is to prepare a report by dividing the questions raised by the children in the Balasabha, the social problems and the needs of the children into various topics under the leadership of the Balasabha Resource Persons. Then these reports will be submitted to the respective CDS Offices before 10 October 2024. In this way, the reports received at the CDS level will be collated and presented to the Bala Panchayat and Bala Urban Local Body and then will be submitted to the Chairman and Secretary of the Local Self Government Institution. The problems raised by the children through the reports will be solved at the local level. The aim is to present the rest in the State Bala Parliament and thereby bring to the attention of the Government and find solutions.

Balasadas aims to provide practical knowledge to effectively organize Children's Grama S0abha and also to develop skills in identifying social problems and finding solutions for them. Also, there are objectives to empower Balasabhas, develop the organizational skills of children, leadership qualities and logical thinking in children. District Missions, State-CDS Resource Persons and ADS Mentors have been tasked with organizing Balasadas.

Before the Balasadas, 'Kolayikkoottam' will be organized in each ward with the participation of the Balasabha members. Also, various publicity activities including reels, poster writing, status post competition and flash mob will be organized as part of the campaign.

Balasabhas are children's NHGs formed with the aim of protecting children's rights and instilling a sense of democracy in them. The Balasadas is organized ahead of the Bala Parliament proposed to be held in December this year.

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Kudumbashree 'Balasadas- Onnichirikkam Othiri Parayam' to be held in 19470 wards on 2 October 2024

Kudumbashree Agri Expo-'Thrithala Polima' starts at Palakkad

Kudumbashree Agri Expo-'Thrithala Polima', an Extensive Agricultural Exhibition and Marketing Fair has started at Palakkad. Adv. V.P Rejeena, President, Thrithala Block Panchayat inaugurated the Expo at the premises of Velliyamkallu Irrigation Project, Thrithala, Palakkad. Ms. P. K Jaya, President, Thrithala Grama Panchayat presided over the function.

The Agri Expo is organized With the objective of reviving the agricultural sector by introducing innovative methods and techniques, to bring the increasing potential of value added products and bringing the necessary machinery and practical knowledge to the farmers. The stalls of leading Central and State Research Institutes in Agricultural Sector, Department of Agriculture and other related departments, agricultural machinery, various products prepared by Kudumbashree farmers and entrepreneurs of the district, informative discussions, Seminars and Food Fair with mouth-watering dishes prepared by Kudumbashree is also organized as part of the programme.

Shri. Sharafudeen Kalathil, President, Kapoor Grama Panchayat, Ms. T Suhara, President, Thirumittacode Grama Panchayat, Shri. K. P Sreenivasan, Vice President, Thrithala Grama Panchayat, Ms. Shaniba Teacher, Member, Palakkad District Panchayat, Shri. Kammukutty Edathol, Member, Palakkad District Panchayat, Ms. Kubra Shahjahan, Member, Thrithala Block Panchayat, Ms. Deepa P, Chairperson, Development Standing Committee, Thrithala Grama Panchayat, Ms. T.V Sabitha, Chairperson, Health Education Standing Committee, Thrithala Grama Panchayat, Shri. P. Aravindakshan, Chairman, Welfare Standing Committee,Thrithala Grama Panchayat, Shri. P. V Muhammedali, Member, Thrithala Grama Panchayat, Shri. M. Gopinathan, Member, Thrithala Grama Panchayat, Ms. Sujitha Jayaprakash, Chairperson, Thrithala CDS, Shri. P Velayudhan, Shri. K. Babu Nazar, Shri. Ali Master, Shri. K. P Siddique, Shri. K. R Balan, Shri. K. K Chandradas, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Palakkad District Mission, Dr Shanavas, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, Dr Rana Raj, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree and Dr Shameena P.N, State Programme Manager, Kudumbashree was also present at the function. The Agri Expo will come to an end on 14 September 2024.

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Kudumbashree Agri Expo-'Thrithala Polima' starts at Palakkaden