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'Chalanam' Mentorship Programme: Training organized for mentors

A five-day training was given to 11 selected Mentors as part of the 'Chalanam' Mentorship Programme implemented by Kudumbashree Urban CDSs. The programme was organized in Thiruvananthapuram from 2-6 July 2024. Training was given on various subjects like Kudumbashree Organizational System Strengthening, Livelihood Development, CDS-ULB Convergence, Plan Preparation of Municipalities and Role of Community Based Organizations (CBO), Local Economic Development, Financial Management, Mentorship Skills, Stress Management & Emotional Balancing, Problem Solving.

Shri. Jahamgeer S, Secretary, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and Former Program Officer of Kudumbashree, Shri. Jagajeevan, Consultant, Suchitwa Mission and Former Programme Officer of Kudumbashree, Dr Reema Sudarshan, Psychologist, Ms. Arya Murali, Member, Punalur CDS Kudumbasree Auxiliary Group and Yoga and Fitness Trainer,

Shri. Nishad CC, Shri. Abdul Basheer, Shri. M. Prabhakaran, Ms. Suchitra. S, Shri. Sudhir K.B, Shri. Shibu N.P, Shri. Anish Kumar M.S, Ms. Beena. E, Shri. Prithviraj, Shri. Sabu. B, Shri. Nishanth G.S, Shri. Muhammad Shan, State Programme Managers, Kudumbashree, Ms. Ramya, Shri. Ratheesh, Shri. Shaiju and Ms. Priya Paul, Programme Manager, Kudumbashree National Resource Organization also imparted training on various topics and answered queries.

A six-member Mentor Core Group of the Chalanam Programme developed the training module and coordinated the training for the State Mission. After the training, a 10-day Immersion Study will be conducted at selected CDSs and an activity calendar will be prepared. Then for six months CDSs will be supported.

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'Chalanam' Mentorship Programme: Training organized for mentors

'Wings of Fire' Auxiliary Group from Kozhikode sets a new model

'Wings of Fire' Kudumbashree Auxiliary group from Ward 18 of Tiruvallur gram panchayat of Kozhikode district is gaining attention with its work which can be an example for all Auxiliary Groups, the new face of Kudumbashree. This two-year-old 15-member group undertakes a wide variety of activities.

The important one among is to run the tuition centre in such a way as to help the entire new generation while earning their own livelihood. They are making effective interventions in the social field as well. More than 20 students study at the tuition centre where educated Auxiliary Group members take classes. The money received from the Christmas carols were spent for the members of the Thanal Old Age Home in Vadakara. Intervention was made to get public health insurance card online. Organized a protest against violence against women. Organized Onam and Christmas celebrations and Ifthar feast. Wings of Fire's involvement in the social arena has been extended by organizing a women's festival to showcase their artistic and cultural talents to all the young women of their locality.

Kudumbashree Auxiliary Groups will be formed on ward basis where young women between 18 to 40 years of age can become members. A group can have a maximum of 10 to 20 members. If more people come forward with interest, another group can be formed in the same ward.

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'Wings of Fire' Auxiliary Group from Kozhikode sets a new model

Kudumbashree Annashree Food Production Unit & Research Centre started in Thrissur

Annashree Central Food Production Unit and Research Centre has started operations in Thrissur with the aim of research and development of agricultural value added products and food products. AIFRHM (Adebha Institute of Food Research and Hospitality Management), the Kudumbashree initiative and master training agency providing catering training is spearheading the project.

The centre was officially inaugurated by Adv. K. Rajan, Minister of Revenue, Government of Kerala at Madakkathara on 22 June 2024. Kudumbashree entrepreneurs will be trained through the centre to undertake large scale catering works and food orders. Kudumbashree farming groups will be assisted to grow vegetables and produce value added products and the research to prepare different and local food products will be done through the centre.

This project is initiated with the help of District Industries Centre and Agri Infrastructure Fund, and is fully supervised by Kudumbashree. Shri. K. Ravi, President, Block Panchayat, Ms. Indira, President, Panchayat, Ms. Savithri, Shri. Ajith Kumar, Shri. Prashanth, People's Representatives, Ms. Sathi, CDS Chairperson, Dr. Shanavas, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, Dr. Kavitha, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission, Shri. Jyothish Kumar, Former District Mission Coordinator, Shri. Nirmal, Shri. Siju, Assistant District Mission Coordinators, Ms. Deepa, District Programme Manager, Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission, and representatives of AIFRHM were present at the inaugural function.

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Kudumbashree Annashree Food Production Unit & Research Centre started in Thrissur

K-LIFT : Kudumbashree to arrange livelihood for 100 families at Edamalakkudy

In the 'Ooru Sangamam' ( Meeting of Hamlets) of Kudumbashree, it was decided to provide livelihood to a hundred families in Edamalakudy Gram Panchayat this year. The 'Ooru Sangamam' which was attended by members from various hamlets, was notable for its discussions on new initiatives including branding of black pepper and cardamom, the main agricultural products of Edamalakudy.

It has been decided to ensure a source of income for 100 members of Kanana Panchayat as part of the K-LIFT (Kudumbashree Livelihood Initiative For Transformation) project launched by Kudumbashree with the aim of providing livelihood to three lakh NHG members in the state this year. The panchayat provides employment to the residents in the areas of animal husbandry, agriculture related activities, sewing unit, small shop, bamboo products, collection and marketing of forest resources etc.

Breeding of indigenous breeds of goats and poultry will be promoted with emphasis on animal husbandry. Fish farming facilities will be developed. The scheme will be implemented as soon as possible considering the applications already received from the villagers for starting various initiatives.

Edamalakudy, which was the first ward of Munnar gram panchayat in Devikulam block, was formed as the only tribal panchayat in Kerala on 1 November 2010. Kudumbashree's activities had reached there even before that. After making it a special panchayat, the activities became more active. Kudumbashree has now accommodated all families in 36 NHG groups.

As a part of the NRLM project, hamlet level activities are being implemented in a more planned and systematic manner by appointing animators from the hamlets itself. The CDS office has also started functioning at Society Hamlet which has helped in revitalizing the activities. Twenty resident animators are woering based in the CDS office.

Ms. Amaravathi, CDS chairperson presided over the meeting held at the panchayat office. Shri. Mohandas, Vice President,

Grama Panchayath inaugurated the event. Shri. Nafih Muhammad, Public Relations Officer, Kudumbasree delivered the keynote address and Shri. Manoj, State Tribal Program Officer, Kudumbasree inaugurated the project. Ms. Sharika, State Assistant Program Manager and Shri. Biju Joseph, District Programme Manager spoke at the function. Ms. Supriya, Animator welcomed the gathering and Shri. Sarath, Animator delivered the vote of thanks. In addition to Kudumbashree members, Oorumooppans heads of the hamlets), youth club representatives, animators etc. participated in the meeting.

The society also organized special hamlet level meetings at Society Kudi, Shedukudi, Idaliparakudi and Ambalapadi Kudi in connection with the meeting. Ms.Amaravathi, Chairperson, Ms.Saritha, Animator, Shedukudi and Ms. Supriya Ankamma, Animator gave leadership at Society Kudi. Whereas in Ambalapadi Kudi, Ms. Ramani, Former Chairperson, Shri. Sarath, Animator, gave leadership to the programme. In Idaliparakudi, Ms. Bhagyalakshmi, Ms. Neela, Ms. Sunitha, Shri. Biju, Shri. Gopi, Shri. Sasikumar, Shri. Soccer, Animators and Shri. Ramakrishnan, CDS Accountant gave leadership to the programme.

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K-LIFT : Kudumbashree to arrange livelihood for 100 families at Edamalakkudy

For the second year in a row, BUDS Children become the Stars of Kannur's Republic Day Parade

For the second year in a row, BUDS Children became the Stars of Kannur's Republic Day Parade. In 2023, there was a band troupe that left everyone in awe at the Republic Day parade held at the police ground in Kannur. The band group of differently-abled children of Mattannur Pazhassi Raja BUDS School. The same band team again came to the Republic Day Parade at the Police Ground on 26 January 2024 and amazed everyone once again with an extraordinary performance.

The band team formed in 2022 has 14 members. Majusha, Pranav, Rajinis, Arshad, Akshay, Saneesh, Fatima, Mubeena, Muhammad Mustaq, Nikhisha, Jithin, Aparna, Renjini and Fathimath Nafiya. They had also gained attention at the opening ceremony of BUDS 'Thillana', the State-Level Arts Festival in Thillana, organized in Kannur. Those who came to the inauguration were received with the accompaniment of their band.

The teachers of the BUDS Schools and the staff of Kudumbashree Kannur District Mission are providing all kinds of support to BUDS children to shine in a field according to their abilities. The Kannur District Administration also deserves a great appreciation for giving these children such an opportunity.

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For the second year in a row, BUDS Children become the Stars of Kannur's Republic Day Parade

Auxiliary Group Member from Kasaragod sets a model

Ms. Vidya, a member of the Pathanadukkam Auxiliary Group of Muliyar of Kasaragod district of Kerala is becoming a role model for the more than three lakh Kudumbashree Auxiliary Group members. Vidya has started a Planning Facilitation Centre called 'Homi Layout', which provides building plan, estimation, permission and designing.

Ms. P.V. Mini, President, Muliyar Panchayath inaugurated 'Homi Layout' set up at Bovikanam, under the leadership of Muliyar Panchayath Kudumbashree CDS. Vidya, who has completed her ITI Civil Draftsman Course after her higher secondary education, worked in the field for over six years. She became a member of the Auxiliary Group last year. Her mother being a member of Kudumbashree she did not had to think twice about becoming part of the Auxiliary Group. Shri. Anish, her husband extends full support to her. Vidya also received financial support from Kudumbashree to start this enterprise.

Shri. T. T Surendran, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission was the Chief Guest of the inaugural function. Shri. D Haridas, Assistant District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission, Ms. Khairunnisa, CDS Chairperson, Ms. Shyamala, Shri. Raveendran Poyyakal, Shri. P. Balakrishnan, Ms. P.S. Sakeena and Shri. Udayakumar, Ward Members also participated in the function.

Auxiliary Groups were started to bring young women between the ages of 18 and 40 with the Kudumbashree system. Kudumbashree extends all kinds of assistance to the Auxiliary Group members in providing them with means of livelihood according to their educational qualification. It is expected that Vidya's Enterprise will be an inspiration for all other Auxiliary Group Members to start enterprises and earn income according to their educational qualification. Kudumbashree will give all possible support to those efforts.

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Auxiliary Group Member from Kasaragod sets a model

Varakoottam' Painting Programme organized for the promotion of 'Thillana', the State Level BUDS Festival

'Varakoottam' Painting Programme was organized in the premises of Government Brennan College, Thalassery, Kannur for the promotion of 'Thillana', the State Level BUDS Festival. About 400 BUDS Children will participate in the Arts Festival proposed to be held at four venues in Brennan College during 20-21 January 2024.

Shri. Mohanan M.P, Chairman, Standing Committee, Dharmadam Gram Panchayath inaugurated the programme. Dr. M. Surjith, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Kannur District Mission presided over the function. Shri Selvan Meloor, Renowned Painter gave leadership to the programme. Ms. Pushpa. C. V, Chairperson, Health Education Standing Committee, Ms. Bindu. K, Chairperson, Welfare Standing Committee, Ms. Lathika, Ward Member, Ms. Emily James, CDS Chairperson and others participated in the programme.

Shri. A. Sathyanath, Shri. A Ravindran, Shri. Suresh Babu Panoor, Ms. Priyanka Pinarayi, Painters along with the students of Sacred Heart School also became part of the programme.

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Varakoottam' Painting Programme organized for the promotion of 'Thillana', the State Level BUDS Festival

Kudumbashree Kozhikode District Mission's 'A Plus' Agri Value Addition Unit Inaugurated

Kudumbashree Kozhikode District Mission in collaboration with District Panchayat has launched a chips unit named 'A Plus' as part of the marketing of value addition of agricultural products. Ms. Sheeja Shashi, President, District Panchayath inaugurated the agri value addition unit under the presence of Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree at a function organized at Nalanda Auditorium, Kozhikode on 13 January 2024.

Various products such as banana chips, tapioca chips, jackfruit chips and sarkaravaratti produced by 14 NHG members of 7 CDSs in the district will be marketed under the 'A Plus' brand. The Production is in Thiruvambady, Chakkittappara, Moodadi, Tiruvallur, Keezhariyur, Kadalundi and Koorachund CDSs.

Adv. P. Gawas, Vice President, District Panchayat presided over the opening ceremony. Ms. R Sindhu, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Kozhikode District Mission welcomed the gathering. Ms. Nisha Puthanpurayil, Chairperson, Health Education Standing Committee. District Panchayath, Shri. Nishad C.C, State Programme Manager, Kudumbashree, Ms. Sathi Kizhakkayil, Panchayath President, Chemencherry, Ms. Bindu Jason, Chairperson, Azhiyoor CDS spoke at the function. Ms. Arathi P.V, District Programme Manager, Kudumbashree delivered the vote of thanks.

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Kudumbashree Kozhikode District Mission's 'A Plus' Agri Value Addition Unit Inaugurated

Kurunthotti' Cultivation a big hit at Varavoor

'Kurunthotti' Cultivation has became a big hit at Varavoor. Kudumbashree members cultivated 'Kurunthotti' (Sida Retusa) in seven acres of land in Varavoor CDS of Thrissur district and yielded about 6 tonnes. The marketing is also done through Mattathoor Labor Society at Rs 75 per kg! The farming was done integrating with the Mahatma Gandhi Employment Guarantee Scheme under the leadership of Navara JLG of Trupti NHG.

Kudumbashree members literally celebrated the Kurunthotti harvest which started on 18 December 2023. Ms. P.P. Sunitha, President, Grama Panchayat inaugurated the harvest festival. Ms. P.K Anitha, Ward Member presided over the function. Ms. P.K. Yashoda, Shri. T.A. Hidayatullah, Chairpersons, Standing committee, Ms. Bindu PM, Vice Chairperson, Shri M.K. Alfred, Member Secretary, Ms. T.C. Satyabhama, CDS Member, Ms. T.A. Naseema, ADS Chairperson and Kudumbashree members were part of the harvest festival. It was able to create 1087 employment days as per the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. One can also get income by selling Kurunthotti seedlings.

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Kurunthotti' Cultivation a big hit at Varavoor

Kudumbashree entrepreneurs launches 'Kochi Malhar' after 'Vanasundari' and 'Solai Milan'

Kudumbashree entrepreneurs launched 'Kochi Malhar' after 'Vanasundari' and 'Solai Milan'. Vanasundari and Solai Milan are already the shining stars of the Kudumbashree food fairs. Vanasundari and Solai Milan are delicious chicken dishes prepared with special flavours.

Kudumbashree has now introduced a new signature dish as part of the Kochi National Saras Mela and named it as 'Kochi Malhar'. Kochi Malhar is prepared using birds eye chillies, green chillies, raw mango, brindle berry, curry leaves, shallots, fenugreek powder, coconut milk, tiger prawns, pearl spot fish and white fleshed fish. The cooking is done without using oil. This food prepared by the Nirbhaya Kudumbashree unit is available at the food court of the Saras Fair being held at Ernakulam from 26 December 2023 onwards. Kochi Malhar was introduced by Ms. Asha Sarath, leading film star and dancer at a function held at the Saras Fair on 23 December 2023.

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Kudumbashree entrepreneurs launches 'Kochi Malhar' after 'Vanasundari' and 'Solai Milan'