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Kudumbashree National Urban Livelihood Mission: TULIP Internship Programme – First Batch in Field from 10 January 2024 onwards

The first batch of the Urban Learning Internship Program (TULIP) as part of the National Urban Livelihood Mission implemented in the state by Kudumbashree started field work from 10 January 2024 onwards. Orientation for them was organized at Kerala State Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram on 8 January 2024. Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree inaugurated the one-day training programme.

The objective of the internship programme is to evaluate the progress and achievements made in the urban sector of the state through the NULM project and to find innovative ways to further improve the project activities. The interns were selected after screening and interviewing the qualified candidates from the applications received. There are 29 people in the first batch. 26 people will do internship in various municipalities and three people will do internship in Kudumbashree State Mission Office. The internship duration in Urban Local Bodies is two months and in State Mission is three months. By 25 January 2024, the rest of the trainees will be selected and the internship programme will be completed in all 93 municipalities.

They will prepare a report based on the three main topics given by Kudumbashree. It will be submitted to the Central Government. The three topics include how the NULM Scheme implemented by Kudumbashree benefits the urban poor, business opportunities in manufacturing and service sectors and the evaluation of the urban poverty alleviation plan implemented with the urban local bodies for the financial years 2022-23 and 2023-24 and preparation of the urban poverty alleviation plan for 2024-25.

Those who come for internship in urban local bodies will conduct necessary studies in these three subjects and collect statistics. Data collection will be done through discussions with municipal officials, public representatives, project implementation officers and project beneficiaries. The responsibility of the interns at the State Mission is to evaluate and collate the information provided by the interns at the municipal level and prepare a final report. A final report will be submitted with recommendations on areas for improvement, including project implementation and quality.

Rs 8000 per month stipend and a certificate issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will be given to the interns. Shri. Jahamgeer. S, Programme Officer (Urban), Kudumbashree gave leadership to the training programme. Shri. Sudheer K.B, Ms. Meghna S, Shri. Nishanth G.S, Shri. Prithviraj, State Mission Managers and Shri. Shyamkrishna, City Mission Manager participated in the programme.

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DDUGKY 'Talento 24' became the festival of Skills

The trainees made the Talento 24 Job Placement Ceremony and Alumni Reunion organized at Karyavattom, Thiruvananthapuram on 7 January 2024 as part of DDU-GKY, a free job skill training programme implemented in the state by Kudumbashree, a big hit. Around 3000 people from different districts of the state were part of Talento 24. Shri. M. B Rajesh, Minister of Local Self-Government and Excise Department, Government of Kerala inaugurated the Talento 24 Programme. He performed the distribution of offer letters to one thousand trainees through the DDU-GKY scheme and launched the Talento Connect web portal. In his inaugural speech, he said that Kerala is the state with the best human resources and that is why Malayalees can get the best job opportunities in the world.

The Minister also distributed awards to the Best Performing Training Agencies (PIAs), the training agencies providing the maximum number of employment, the Kudumbashree District Missions implementing the DDU-GKY Project activities in the best manner and the best employer.

Dr. Sharmila Mary Joseph, Principal Secretary, Department of Local Self-Government, Government of Kerala delivered the keynote speech at the function presided over by Shri. Kadakampally Surendran, MLA. Shri. Karma Zimpa Bhutia,Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Rural Development spoke on the topic, 'DDU-GKY; 'Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow'. A book titled 'Trailblazers' featuring the success stories of 200 people who received skill training and employment through the scheme was also released during the function.

Ms. Arya Rajendran, Mayor, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation was the Chief Guest of the function. Ms. Sandhya Gopakumaran,

Executive Director, Ministry of Rural Development, Shri. Arun C. Adat, Assistant Commissioner and Ms Smitha Surendran, Member, Kudumbashree Governing Body extended their greetings. Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree welcomed the gathering and Shri. Pradeep Kumar, Programme Officer, delivered the vote of thanks. A motivational session was conducted by Dr. Mani Paul and students, employers, skill development agency representatives and alumni shared their experiences. Following that, the cultural programmes performed by the students were also staged.

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DDUGKY 'Talento 24' became the festival of Skills

Kudumbashree bagged 4 World Records during 2023

Kudumbashree with further achievement of world records in 2023. Kudumbashree achieved four world records this year on the strength of effective implementation of innovative ideas such as the Largest Thiruvathira, Largest Canvas Painting by Tribal students, Mega Stamping Drama & Most Varieties of Cooked Millet Dishes at Display.

Mega Thiruvathira organized by the Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission during the occasion of Onam, 720 feet long picture drawn by the tribal students of Attappady, Mega Stamping Drama organized on the occasion of the National Saras Mela got the Talent World Record and most recently, the Most Varieties of Cooked Millet Dishes at Display bagged the Best India World Record.

Mega Thiruvathira was organized at Government College Ground, Kuttanellur, Thrissur on 30 August 2023 with the participation of 7027 women. The second was the achievement of being the largest canvas painting by tribal students. Last October, 186 children of Attappady created a 720-feet-long painting that brought pride to the entire tribal community and won the world record of the Maharashtra-based Talent Record Book. This activity which was conducted as part of the Aspirational Programme, jointly by Kudumbashree, Attappady Block Panchayat is one of the notable achievements of the year 2023.

Two world records are in connection with the National Saras Mela which was started on 21 December 2023 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Ernakulam. The Stamping Drama performed by 504 women on 24 December 2023 gave Kudumbashree the Talent Record of the Mega Stamping Drama with the largest number of women. The theme was the development history of Kudumbashree over a quarter of a century. On 29 December 2023, eighty women from the Scheduled Tribes region of Attappady and Ernakulam district joined together and got the Best India World Record for preparing 501 different food dishes from millets.

Kudumbashree is also hoping for the Asia Book of Award for being able to train the largest number of people in a short period of time through the 'Back to School' Campaign launched on 1 October 2023 under the leadership of Kudumbashree. Officials visited Thrissur district on 28 December 2023 to monitor and evaluate the campaign activities as part of awarding. So far 37 lakh women have been trained. It is also expected to make it to the Limca Books of Awards.

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Kudumbashree bagged 4 World Records during 2023

Rs 11.84 crores recorded at Kochi National Saras Mela

A turnover of Rs 11.84 crores was achieved through the National Saras Mela organized from 21 December 2023 to 2 January 2024 at the Kaloor International Stadium Ground, Ernakulam with the participation of rural entrepreneurs from across the country. Out of this, Rs.10,45,34,130 is through product marketing and Rs.1,39,20,816 is through food court. More than 500 entrepreneurs who participated in the fair from 25 states and one union territory including Kerala will get this income.

Madhya Pradesh, Goa and Haryana came in first, second and third in terms of product variety, arrangement and turnover. Wayanad district came first from Kerala. Kozhikode and Ernakulam districts came in second and third places respectively. As part of the Saras Mela, the Indian Food Court was set up that comprised of sixteen stalls that showcased the flavors of Kerala and other states such as Rajasthan, Telangana, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Entrepreneurs of Kudumbashree Kerala Chicken Outlets have also achieved great success this time through Saras Mela. All the chicken required for the food court was supplied through Kudumbashree Kerala Chicken Outlets. A total of 4817 kg of chicken was distributed and the income was more than five and a half lakh rupees. Saras Mela is organized as part of promoting rural enterprises in India and finding more market for traditional rural products.

Congratulations to the entrepreneurs who are part of the National Saras Mela.

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Rs 11.84 crores recorded at Kochi National Saras Mela

Kudumbashree's Sargam 2023: Awards distributed to the Winners

The Awards of 'Sargam 2023', the State Level Story Writing Competition organized for Kudumbashree members have been distributed. Ms. Sindhu Thomas, an NHG member who came first in the competition and is a native of Idukki received the Award which consisted of a cash prize of Rs 15,000, memento and certificate from Shri. M. B Rajesh, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala at the closing session of the Kochi National Saras Mela.

Ms. Safwana N, a native of Wayanad won the second prize. She was given the Award which consisted of a cash prize of Rs 10,000, memento and certificate. Ms. Dhanya Shamjith, a native of Ernakulam who won the third prize was gifted with the Award which consisted of the Cash Prize of Rs 5000, a memento and a certificate. Ms. Renjini E.P (Kottayam), Ms. Jiji K.V (Palakkad), Ms. Rosha Lijin (Thrissur) and Ms. Sreedevi K Lal (Ernakulam) who received the incentive prize were presented with a cash award of Rs.1500 each, a memento and a certificate

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Kudumbashree's Sargam 2023: Awards distributed to the Winners

Kochi National Saras Mela organised by kudumbashree concluded

The official closing ceremony of Kochi National Saras Mela was held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Ground, Ernakulam on 31 December 2023. Shri. M. B Rajesh, Minister, Local Self Government Department & Excise Department, Government of Kerala inaugurated the function. He said that Kudumbashree is the great movement of women in India. The Saras Mela was extended till 2 January 2024 following the heavy rush.

The Minister presented awards to the best entrepreneurs who participated in the Saras Mela. Media awards and awards to those who participated in the organization of the fair were presented at the event. Adv. M. Anil Kumar, Mayor, Kochi Corporation presided over the function. Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree presented the report.

Shri. T.J. Vinod, Shri. P.V. Srinijin, Shri. K.N. Unnikrishnan, MLAs, Ms. Rama Santhosh, Chairperson, Thrippunithura Municipality and Governing Body Member, Kudumbashree, Shri. N. S. K Umesh IAS, District Collector, Ernakulam, Shri. P. M. Shafeeq, Joint Director, Local Self Government Department, Shri. Sreekanth, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, CDS Chairpersons and others participated. Ms. T. M Rejeena, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Ernakulam District Mission delivered the vote of thanks.

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Kochi National Saras Mela organised by kudumbashree concluded

Kudumbashree State Level Bala Parliament sets a noteworthy representation

The State Level Bala Parliament held for Balasabha members under the auspices of Kudumbashree had set a noteworthy representation. Adv. Antony Raju, Former Minister for Transport, Government of Kerala inaugurated the State Level Bala Parliament held at the Old Legislative Assembly Hall, Thiruvananthapuram on 28 December 2023. Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree presided over the function. With a very lively question and answer session with the emergency resolution and walkout, the Kudumbashree State Level Bala Parliament became the epitome of a real parliament. A total of 165 people, including 154 children from various districts and 11 children from Attappady, were part of the Bala Parliament and became the representatives of a total of 4.59 lakh children who are members of 31,612 Bala Sabha units in the state.

Adv. Antony Raju said in the opening speech that programmes like Bala Parliament will help to give children a clear understanding about legislature, parliament and democracy along with gaining knowledge in the fields of science and technology. He released the magazine, 'Arivoonjal' prepared under the leadership of Kudumbashree Balasabha, by giving to Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree.

The children raised various issues in the Parliament like health, education, environment, hygiene and gender justice. Sooraja K.S from Kasaragod district and Nayana from Kollam district became the President and Prime Minister respectively. Azmin S from Alappuzha district became the Speaker and Sivanandan C.A from Kollam district became Leader of Opposition. Drishya J from Kozhikode district came the Deputy Speaker. Anaya. C (Kozhikode), Rasika Ramesh (Kannur), Athena Ratheesh (Alappuzha), Aryananda Anish (Kannur), Sandeep S. Nair (Malappuram), Nivedya. K (Kozhikode) came as ministers, Abhinav from Attappady became the Chief Marshal and Srinanda from Thrissur district came as ADC. Archana V. Nair of Pathanamthitta district became the Secretary General. Anumithra from Attappady and Tanisha J from Kasaragod district also came as Secretaries. After the Bala Parliament, the children also visited the new assembly building.

Dr. B. Sreejith, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree welcomed the gathering. Rahu, Balasabha Member from Ernakulam district read out the anti garbage pledge. Shri. Nafih Muhammed, Public Relations Officer, Kudumbashree offered the felicitation. Kudumbashree PRO Nafih Muhammad offered greetings. Kudumbashree State Program Manager Arun P. Rajan proposed the vote of thanks. Shri. Arun P Rajan, State Programme Manager, Kudumbashree delivered the vote of thanks.

Before the State Level Bala Parliament, District Level Bala Parliaments were also organized. Balasabhas are children's neighborhood groups formed by Kudumbashree to ensure the rights of children. Every year the State Level Bala Parliament is organized as a part of providing opportunities to children to understand the importance and extent of democratic system.

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State Level Bala Parliament sets a noteworthy representation

Kochi National Saras Mela: Kudumbashree holds the World Record in Stamping Drama

Kudumbashree secured the world record for the Mega Stamping Drama organized by Kudumbashree Ernakulam District Mission by lining up 504 NHG women. Kudumbashree secured the world talent record for Stamping Drama which has the largest number of female participants. The Stamping Drama was performed at the Durbar Hall, Ernakulam ground at 9:30 AM on 24 December 2023 as part of the promotion of the National Saras Mela being held in Kochi.

The Stamping Drama depicted the history of Kudumbashree for a quarter of a century. NHG members selected from the 14 blocks in the district took part in the Mega Stamping Drama. The performance was held after two weeks of training under the leadership of Shri. Raju Natarajan, stamping drama artist.

Shri. Sathar Aadoor, State President, All Guinness World Records, Dr. Winner Sharif, Ms. Rakshitha Jain, Officials, Talent Record Book were the judges. Shri. Ratheesh Pilikode, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, Ms. T.M. Rejeena, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Ernakulam District Mission and other officials attended the function.

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Kochi National Saras Mela: Kudumbashree holds the World Record in Stamping Drama

Winners of Kudumbashree 'Sargam 2023' State Level Story Writing Competition announced

The winners of 'Sargam 2023', the State Level Story Writing Competition for Kudumbashree Women has been announced. Ms. Sindhu Thomas from Muniyara, Idukki had bagged the First Prize (Rs15,000) for the story-'Sadrishyavakyangal'. Ms. Swafvana from Wayanad had bagged the Second Prize (Rs10,000) for the story-'Prakruthi Nirdharanathil Thottu Poyavar Darwine Thedunnu' and Ms. Dhanya Shamjith from Ernakulam had bagged the Third Prize (Rs 5,000) for the story-'Madangi'. The Award consist of Cash Prize, Momento and Certificate.

Ms. Anuja Baiju (Kottayam), Ms. Renjini E.P (Kottayam), Ms. Jiji K.V (Palakkad), Ms. Rosha Lijin (Thrissur) and Ms. Sreedevi K. Lal (Ernakulam) will get the Consolation Prize of Rs 1500 each along with Momento and Certificate. A total of 763 entries were received in the 'Sargam 2023', the State Level Story Writing Competition organized to identify and nurture the creative skills of Kudumbashree Women.

The winners were selected by the Jury consisting of Dr George Onakkoor, Ms. K Rekha and Ms. Sithara S. The First Level Selection was done by the teachers of Malayalam Department of Kerala University in Karyavattom Campus. The award will be distributed to the winners at the closing ceremony organized on 31 December 2023 in connection with the National Saras Mela held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Ernakulam.

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Winners of 'Sargam 2023' State Level Story Writing Competition announcede

Kochi National Saras Mela starts bringing Indian diversity under one roof

The National Saras Mela, which showcases Indian diversity was kicked off with a huge turnout at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kaloor, Ernakulam on 21 December 2023. Shri. M.B Rajesh, Minister, Local Self Government Department & Excise Department, Government of Kerala inaugurated the Saras Fair online. The Minister said that the role of Kudumbashree is crucial in empowering Kerala women's lives socially, economically and politically. The most important area of Kudumbashree is economic empowerment. Kudumbashree is implementing it through entrepreneurship- skills development. Kudumbashree is involved in economic empowerment in a wide way through 85,000 enterprises, 74,000 Joint Liability Groups and 14,000 groups working in the animal husbandry sector. He added.

Through Kudumbashree, the women community in Kerala has also been able to make entrepreneurship development possible. Saras Mela is lined up with women who have proved their proficiency in the field of entrepreneurship. Saras is the country's premier fair for women entrepreneurs. About 200 entrepreneurs from Kerala have been a part of Saras Mela. Out of the 250 exhibition stalls set up in association with Saras Mela, 90 stalls belong to other states. The minister said that Saras is envisioned as a fair where Kudumbashree entrepreneurs and products are introduced to the consumers and marketing opportunities are created for the entrepreneurs. The main attraction of the Saras Mela is the Indian Food Court. In all the last nine Saras Melas held in Kerala, the food court has attracted people the most. More than 300 cuisines in India are available under one roof. With 120 talented women chefs working in Kudumbashree's catering sector, Saras will serve dishes from within and outside Kerala. The Minister said. Saras comes up with the concept of 'India on a Plate' where all the dishes of India can be enjoyed in one bowl. He added.

Kudumbashree's food court was the main attraction of the Keraleeyam event, which had 30,000 to 40,000 visitors per day. Saras Mela is organized in collaboration with the State Government, local bodies and the National Rural Livelihood Mission. In the last 9 Saras Melas, Rs 85 crores were received through the sales of 2000 entrepreneurs. The Minister also said that the Saras Mela, which was received in the hearts of the entire Kerala, will be a great success in Ernakulam as well.

Presiding over the function online, Shri. P Rajeev, Minister, Industries Department, Government of Kerala said that Kudumbashree has been able to do great work in women's empowerment for a quarter of a century. The specialty of Saras Mela is that a variety of foods and products from all over India are available under one roof. More than 100 chefs, various art shows, food and various products are prepared for the customers. The Minister said that Saras Mela held in Ernakulam will be more festive.

A total of 250 stalls reflecting Indian cultures are set up at Saras Mela, which brings together the products of the country's rural entrepreneurs under one umbrella. Different stalls of handicrafts and handloom products are awaiting for the people at the fair, which starts from the 'Back to School' campaign model that has changed the face of Kudumbashree itself. Saras Mela showcases the variety of clothing from Indian states like Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Tripura, Telangana and Karnataka in Kochi of Kerala, the heart of fashion. Bamboo tools, sweets, jewellery, bags, handicrafts and other unique products of different states will be on display at the fair.

The display and marketing of different food products will enthrall the customers. The stalls of Kudumbashree's strong initiatives Gender Help Desk- Snehitha and Medical Help Desk- Santhwanam are the pride of the fair. The biggest feature of Saras Mela is that various cultures and unique products of the country come under one roof along with great market opportunities.

The National Saras Mela started at Kochi is becoming the Festival of Flavors serving the food diversity of India. It serves Dal Bathi Choorma from the royal family of Rajasthan to Momos from Thirunelly. 10 days and nights of Saras Mela at Kochi will be filled with flavors from various states. Different delicacies from various states of India and various districts of Kerala are awaiting the food lovers. Dal Bathi Choorma, a traditional Rajasthani dish that evokes curiosity as the name suggests, and Wayanad's own Thirunelly Momos alias 'TiMo', which is made with Jeerakashala rice have grabbed the attention of the fair on the very first day. The other attractions of the food fair is Maharashtra's Pooran Poly, Arunachal Pradesh's Beef Corn Soup, Attapady's own Vana Sundari, Alappuzha's Karimeen Pollichathu, Lakshadweep's Halwa, various types of Biryani and local delicacies.

More than 40 stalls are prepared to bring a variety of tastes to the customers. There are ten stalls from Uttarakhand, nine from Uttar Pradesh, eight from Karnataka, seven from Sikkim, six from Lakshadweep, five from Telangana, four from Arunachal Pradesh, three from Maharashtra and two from Andhra Pradesh. Unique flavors from Ernakulam, Wayanad, Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Kollam, Kottayam, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Thalassery and Attappady are also available at the fair. Many people came to the food fair on the very first day to enjoy the live food tastings.

Adv. M . Anil Kumar, Mayor, Kochi Corporation inaugurated Saras Mela's Product Stall. The Indian Food Court was inaugurated by Shri. T.J Vinod, MLA and the Theme Stall was inaugurated by Shri. K. Babu, MLA. Shri. P.V Sreenijin, MLA inaugurated the Saras tag line prize giving. Shri. K. J Maxi, MLA inaugurated the Saras logo prize giving and the Art Night was inaugurated by Shri. K Chandran Pillai, Chairman, Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA). Shri. Loknath Behra, Managing Director, Kochi Metro Rail Limited, presented the Saras Theme Lyric Prize to the composer Shri. K.V Anil Kumar. Shri. N.S.K Umesh, District Collector, Ernakulam gave away the photography prizes.

Ms. Nikhila Vimal, Film star was the Chief Guest of the function. Shri. Ullas Thomas, President, District Panchayath, Ms. K. Meera, Sub Collector, Fort Kochi, Shri. Jafar Malik, Executive Director, Kudumbashree, Ms. Rama Santosh, Chairperson, Thrippunithura Municipal Corporation, Ms. K. A Ansiya, Deputy Mayor, Kochi Corporation, Ms. TM Rejeena, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Ernakulam District Mission, Shri. Basil Paul, Vice President, Kerala Block Panchayat President Association, Shri. P.R Reneesh, Chairman, Kochi Corporation Development Standing Committee, Ms. Sheeba Lal, Chairperson, Welfare Standing Committee, Shri. V. A Sreejith, Chairman, Education Standing Committee, Ms. Mary Mini, Ms. Latha Babu, Ms. Nabeesa Latheef, Kudumbashree CDS Chairpersons, Kudumbashree members also attended the function.

The Saras Mela will come to an end on 1 January 2024.

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Kochi National Saras Mela starts bringing Indian diversity under one roof