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Popularity & Consumption of Millets: Kudumbashree National Millet Conclave 2023 begins at Agali Attappady Camp Centre, Palakkad

*Seminars attended by experts from various states
* Exhibition and marketing of millets and heirloom seeds

The National Millet Conclave 2023 has been started. Shri. K. Krishnankutty, Minister for Electricity, Government of Kerala inaugurated the programme at Agali Attappady Camp Centre, Attappady, Palakkad on 26 May 2023. The three-day National Millet Conclave is being organized under the leadership of Kudumbashree from 26-28 May 2023.

Better income generation should be ensured for the farmers who cultivate food grains including millets. The Minister said. He also said that necessary discussions should be held so that the farmers can get better market value for the products they produce. He added that there should be collective efforts to provide a better means of livelihood to the farmers, including those of Attappady, who are cultivating nutritious millets during the prevalence of lifestyle diseases. The Minister also presented Kudumbashree's gift to Ms. Nanchiyamma, recipient of the National Film Award for the Best Playback Singer and Kudumbashree NHG member.

Shri. N Shamsudheen, MLA, Mannarkkad Constituency presided over the function. He said in the presidential speech that Kudumbashree women have grown to take up everything from canteen catering enterprises to road construction contracts. He also said that the Millet Conclave organized by Kudumbashree to promote production and marketing of millets and provide livelihood will be the most significant step taken by Kudumbashree in this field.

Ms. K Binumol, President, District Panchayath, Palakkad released the book on the 'Indigenous Food Sovereignty in Attappady-Restoring Traditional Farming Systems, Protecting Agro Ecosystems and Regaining Health, Food and Nutritional Security' (Process Documentation and participatory evaluation of the Mahila Kisan Sasakthikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) Activities in Attappady (2014-2022), prepared by S. Santhi by giving the same to Shri. Raman Wadhwa, Deputy Director, National Rural Livelihoods Mission.

Around 2,000 people including representatives of various states, subject experts, people's representatives, farmers, Attappady Kudumbashree Joint Liability Groups, entrepreneurs and youth is participating in the conclave. This is the first time in the state that a Millet Conclave is being organized in the Scheduled Tribes region. In connection with this, seminars with experts on various topics such as scientific millet cultivation, nutritional value of millet food products, entrepreneurial opportunities, exhibition and marketing fair of food products produced by farmers of Attappady, nutrition fair, farmers' meeting, 'Kambalam' (a traditional agricultural sowing festival of Attappady), exhibition of traditional seeds, felicitation of millet farmers, various arts and cultural programmes of various tribal groups of Attappady are also being arranged.

Currently, Attappady is the largest millet producing region in Kerala. A number of nutritious small grains such as ragi (finger millet), Chama (little millet), Varag (kodo millet), Kamp (pearl millet), maize and Thina (foxtail millet) etc are being produced here. The Millet Conclave is being organized to bring attention to these millets and the value added products prepared from them, apart from Kerala, at the national level. Kudumbashree has decided to give special consideration to the activities required to increase the consumption of millets that are helpful for health in a situation where lifestyle diseases are prevalent. The cooperation of the Department of Agriculture will also be ensured for this. Efforts are made to increase production by increasing consumption. In this way the farmers can also ensure an increase in income. It will also help in local economic development.

Ms. Maruthi Murugan, President, Block Panchayath, Attappady & Member, State Kudumbashree Governing Body welcomed the gathering. Shri. P Ramamurthy, President, Sholayur Grama Panchayath, Ms. Jyothi Anilkumar, President, Puthur Grama Panchayath, Shri. K K Mathew, Vice President, Attappady Block Panchayath, Ms. Mini G Kurup, Member, Agali Grama Panchayath and Shri. K K Chandradas, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Palakkad District Mission gave away their felicitations. Shri. Jayaram Killi, National Mission Manager, Farm Livelihood and Shri. Tony Jose, National Mission Manager-Livelihood was also present at the function. Shri. B.S Manoj, Programme Officer, Tribal & Assistant Project Officer, Attappady Special Project, Kudumbashree delivered the vote of thanks. The Dance Performance based on Kudumbashree's Mudrageetham was staged prior to the inaugural function.

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Popularity & Consumption of Millets: Kudumbashree National Millet Conclave 2023 begins at Agali Attappady Camp Centre, Palakkaden

Panel Discussions in connection with the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Kudumbashree stands out

From 'Art' to 'Crime and Violence Prevention' - The Kudumbashree Silver Jubilee Closing Ceremony was kicked off in grand style with separate panel discussions. The Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Kudumbashree, which has taken strong roots in the Kerala society and led 46 lakh women from darkness to light in the last quarter of a century, got off to a fiery start at Putharikandam Maidan, Thiruvananthapuram on 15 May 2023. At first, there were art programmes performed by Sangha Chetana NHG members of Amarambalam CDS of Malappuram district. This was followed by panel discussions with personalities who have made a mark in the fields of art and entrepreneurship and who have overcome adversities.

A panel discussion on 'Art as a medium of expression and social change' moderated by Ms. Rekha Menon, Journalist provided a platform for open expressions of opinion. Ms. C.S Chandrika, Activist & Writer said that art is against violence and the politics put forward by art is human love and humanity. Ms. Vidhu Vincent, Film Director & Media Activist said that Kudumbashree women coming forward as role models in many fields is an exciting and energetic experience. She also reminded about the need to involve Kudumbashree entrepreneurs in the film industry as well. Ms. Kavitha Balakrishnan, Artist, said that Kudumbashree transforms the women of Kerala into extremely influential people and is proud to be a part of Kudumbashree, a female ocean of thousands of women. Ms. Deepthi, Ms. Biji. M, Members, Rangashree Theatre Group, Ms. Annie Vishwanath, Mentor, Kudumbashree National Resource Organization, Ms. Deepa Mohanan, Kudumbashree Entrepreneur and Poet shared their success experiences they had gained with the strength of Kudumbashree.

'Women Entrepreneurs, Driving Forces for Social Change' was the topic of the discussion moderated by Dr. Nirmala Sanu George, Development Consultant. Ms. Binitha Thambi, who is an IIT Professor, said that women entrepreneurs can face the challenges created by the patriarchal system. She also opined that a system should be established in Kudumbashree itself to study the problems of entrepreneurs who are not able to achieve success in Kudumbashree where there are many good entrepreneurs. Ms. Geethu Mohandas, the founder of 'Let's Go for a Camp', Women's Travel Group who started her love of travel through her first trip to Nilambur during her 5th grade, shared her experience of traveling and also talked about the marketing opportunities for Kudumbashree entrepreneurs in the tourism sector.

Ms. Bhagirathi, a Kudumbashree entrepreneur, shared her joy that the Nutrimix unit, which was started with a desire to start her own business, has grown to a turnover of around Rs 2.5 crores per annum today. After completing her degree and PG with Kudumbashree's encouragement, Bhagirathi is now trying to get her Ph.D. She is an inspiration and a guide to many in her sixties. Ms. Sandhya, a farmer and woman entrepreneur, shared her happiness that by giving up teaching and coming to agriculture, she was able to provide employment to many women around her. Ms. Vijaya, who was battling cancer, said that it was Kudumbashree that made her stand on the stage after 20 years and she used to forget about her illness amidst the activities of the Technoworld IT unit. She shared the joy of successfully progressing her venture with the help of Kudumbashree NHGs. Ms. Rumana, owner of Meat and Egg Exports, Ms. Jiby Varghese, Mentor, Kudumbashree National Resource Organization also shared his Kudumbashree experiences in the discussion.

The third discussion on 'Crime and Violence Prevention' moderated by Ms. Nishanthini IP. S, Rural DIG discussed a very topical issue. Along with Ms. Aaj Sudarshan, Special Judge, POCSO Court, Ms. Chelsasini. V IAS, CEO Gender Park, Ms. Josephine (Kerala State Planning Board), Adv. Sreela Menon, Nirbhaya State Coordinator, Ms. Rajani, Kudumbashree Community Counsellor, Ms. Savithri V.L, Gender Resource Person and Ms. Sunitha, Mentor, NRO became part of the discussion.

As part of the three-day-long Kudumbashree Silver Jubilee celebrations, the panel discussions organized on the second day, 16 May 2023, at the Putharikandam Maidan, Thiruvananthapuram were noteworthy. The first panel discussed the topic 'Role of Kudumbashree as a Social Organization to Combat Climate Change'. Ms. Aruna Roy, Magsaysay Award Winner & Environmentalist said that Kudumbashree, which deals effectively with all social issues should ensure effective participation in climate change issues as well. Ms. Sarada Muraleedharan IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala moderated the discussion. Ms. Amrita Bhattacharya, Environmental Activist and Tribal Rights Activist, Ms. Mini Sukumar, Member, State Planning Board, Ms. Sasikala, Mentor, Kudumbashree National Resource Organization, Ms. Anila, Secretary, Harithakarmasena Vadakara Consortium and Ms. Reena Suresh, President, Guruvayoor Harithakarmasena Participated in the panel discussion.

Ms. Aruna Roy also conducted the online release of the book 'Ayaluravukal-Oru Kudumbashree Yathra' written by Shri. Sajith Sukumaran, Chief Operating Officer, Kudumbashree National Resource Organization. The first copy of the book was received by Ms. Sarada Muraleedharan IAS from Ms. Aishabi, Kudumbashree's youngest CDS Chairperson.

Dr. Sharmila Mary Joseph IAS, Principal Secretary, Local Self-Government Department, Government of Kerala moderated the panel discussion on the theme of 'Finding a Full Life Beyond the Formal Work Framework'. Dr. Khadija Mumtaz, Gynecologist, Writer & Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award Winner, shared about how she was able to study and become a doctor with the support of her mother, and how she became a writer with the habit of reading from a young age, amidst the difficult childhood. Ms Anitha Thampi, Director, Technical & Operations, HLL Lifecare Ltd and Poet said that she became a wanderlust by seeing an airplane flying in the sky. The audience was surprised with the experiences of Ms. Mohana Vijayan, a tea shop owner who has traveled to 26 countries during this time. Ms. Sonia Giri, Chairperson, Irinjalakuda Municipality & Actress, Ms. Brijeena, Snehatheeram CDS Community Counsellor and Folk Song Artist, Ms. Yashoda, Kudumbashree Balasabha Resource Person, Craftsman and Theatre Actress also participated in this panel discussion. A book written by Ms. Anjana, Kudumbashree Haripad Block Coordinator of Alappuzha district, titled 'Some wounds that overcome forgetfulness', was also released at the function.

Ms. Subhashini Ali, Ms. Smithaben Bhatnagar, Ms. Sathidevi, Ms. K.G. Rajeshwari, Ms. Baby Balakrishnan, Ms. C.S. Sreeja and Ms. Rathi Marath participated in the Panel Discussion on 'Enabling Women's Associations - Social Perspective and Legal Mechanisms' moderated by Ms. Liz Mathew, Political Writer. The discussion on the topic 'Steps towards Social Inclusion - Hopes and Dilemmas of Women's Communities' was moderated by Ms. Shyama S Prabha. Padmashree K.V. Rabia, Padmashree Laxmikutty Amma, Ms. Tiffany Brar, Ms. Yasmin Arimbra, and Ms. P.A. Razeena were part of these discussions. Following the Panel Discussions, Cultural Programmes were also staged.

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Panel Discussions in connection with the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Kudumbashree stands out

Kudumbashree's YouTube Million Million Plus Subscription Campaign starts

Kudumbashree's YouTube Million Plus Subscription Campaign, a special campaign to increase the subscription of Kudumbashree's official YouTube channel has been launched. Shri. M. B Rajesh, Minister of Local Self-Government and Excise Department Government of Kerala announced the campaign during the press conference held at Hotel SP Grand Days, Thiruvananthapuram on 3 May 2023.

The campaign aims to convert 46 lakh Kudumbashree families and public into subscribers of the Kudumbashree YouTube channel, thereby bringing Kudumbashree's, the State Poverty Eradication Mission's various project activities, to the grassroots in an effective manner.

Currently, Kudumbashree's YouTube channel has 1.39 lakh subscribers. In order to reach the various projects of Kudumbashree to the people, quality videos will be prepared and shared through YouTube and special programmes focused on Kudumbashree NHGs etc will be conducted as part of the campaign. Also, the extensive celebrations organized in Thiruvananthapuram on 15, 16 and 17 May 2023 to mark the 25th anniversary of Kudumbashree will be conveyed to the maximum number of people through the YouTube channel.

At the press conference, the minister also announced that ten lakh Kudumbashree women have become members of the Kudumbashree Jeevan Deepam Oruma Insurance Scheme for NHG family members. So far 11,28,381 women have become members of the scheme. The Minister distributed a cash award of Rs 15,000 and certificate to Kochi West CDS, which enrolled the most members in this insurance scheme, and to the Edakkattuvayal Gram Panchayat of Ernakulam district, which achieved the highest percentage of those enrolled. Kudumbashree Ernakulam District Mission which enrolled maximum number of members was given the certificate.

The Minister also announced at the function that Kerala has been recognized for the sixth consecutive time in the SPARK Ranking instituted by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to assess the excellence of National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) project implementation.

Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree, Shri. Jahamgeer A, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, Shri. P. Radhakrishnan, Regional Manager, Shri. Prem Kumar S, Senior Divisional Manager, LIC, and Shri. Shaji Wilson, Director, State Insurance also participated in the press conference.

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Kudumbashree's YouTube Million Million Plus Subscription Campaign starts

Kudumbashree extends facility management services in Kochi Water Metro

After Kochi Rail Metro, Kudumbashree's female power is also extending services in Kochi Water Metro, which is writing a new history of development in the field of public transport in Kerala. 30 Kudumbashree women have been appointed for housekeeping and ticketing jobs in Kochi Water Metro. Kudumbashree achieved another proud achievement on 25 April 2023 when Shri. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India dedicated the water metro connecting the ten islands of Kochi to the nation. Before this, Kudumbashree women were also given the complete management responsibility of various sections of Kochi Rail Metro.

18 of the Kudumbashree women selected to provide various services to the water metro passengers are appointed in the ticketing section and 12 are posted in the housekeeping section. The first service was on 26 April 2023 from High Court Terminal to Vypin and back. The service on Vyttila-Kakkanad route was started on 27 April 2023. More women may get a chance on the water metro as the services are expanded to match the rush

Members of various NHGs in Kochi East, South, Mulavukad and Elamkunnappuzha CDS are responsible for providing various services in the water metro. The opportunity was arranged for them through the Kudumbashree Initiative for Business Solutions (KIBS) society. This system was formed to provide employment opportunities to Kudumbashree members according to their educational qualifications and to increase the labor participation of women. At present 262 women have been provided employment through KIBS in Vyttila Mobility Hub, Industries Department, KILA.

Kudumbashree women work in all 24 stations of the Kochi Rail Metro, which has created a revolutionary change in the public transport sector in the state. Currently there are 555 people working in Kochi Rail Metro. Their services are in the categories of housekeeping, ticketing, customer care service, help desk, customer facilitation service, setting up of garden and vegetable garden, kitchen, canteen and parking. They are appointed and supervised by the Facility Management Centre under Kudumbashree.

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Kudumbashree extends facility management services in Kochi Water Metro

Chalanam 2023': State Level Trainings for Kudumbashree Sub Committee Conveners completed

The four-day state-level training programme for the Sub Committee Conveners of Kudumbashree Urban CDSs has been completed. 'Chalanam 2023' is a project initiated by Kudumbashree to strengthen the Kudumbashree organizational system in urban areas. A total of 645 Sub-Committee Conveners were trained in six batches at Maria Rani Training Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.

Effective functioning of Kudumbashree CDSs is done through thematic sub-committees on Micro Finance, Livelihood, Infrastructure Development, Social Development, Ward Sabha and Employment Guarantee. In this way, the State-Level Training organized for the Conveners of Sub-Committees working in 93 municipalities of the state has been completed.

The training was based on a special module prepared by the representatives of the teams in charge of various projects in Kudumbashree State Mission and City Mission Managers. This was led by the Kudumbashree Training teams. Apart from the classroom sessions, outdoor sessions were also organized for the trainees.

Shri. A. Jahamgeer, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, Shri. N. Jagajeevan, Suchithwa Mission Consultant and Former Programme Officer of Kudumbashree, Ms. Beena. E and Shri. Anish Kumar M.S, State Programme Managers interacted with the trainees.

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Chalanam 2023': State Level Trainings for Kudumbashree Sub Committee Conveners completed

Kudumbashree Balasabha comes up with 'Suchithwolsavam' for effective waste management

Kudumbashree is planning to implement the idiom, 'Old habits die hard" in garbage disposal methods as well. Kudumbashree Balasabha-led 'Suchithwolsavam' Campaign to create strong social awareness about effective waste management will be launched on 22 April 2023. A total of 3.9 lakh members of 28,387 Balasabhas under Kudumbashree in the state will come forward for propagating the message of cleanliness activities as part of this programme.

A number of activities have been planned as part of the campaign based on the idea of spreading the message of hygiene through children to families and from families to the society. Prizes will also be given to the children and Balasabha who make great performance. Training will be given to Resource Persons and CDS Chairpersons as part of the preparations for the campaign. A state-level module building workshop related to the campaign was started in Thiruvananthapuram.

Major activities as part of the campaign:

1. Each child will accurately record the level of waste generated in their own home in the green card given through Kudumbashree to the children who are members of Balasabha. The details of the organic, inorganic and plastic waste will also be collected. The goal is to gradually reduce the amount of waste generated in each Balasabha member's home.

2. Credit points will be given to Balasabha members who reduce the level of waste in their homes after the campaign starts.

3. The prize is financial assistance to start a children's library for Balasabha which reduce the level of waste significantly.

4. Activities such as plantation and maintenance of fruit trees on World Environment Day, preparation of report on waste disposal implemented locally, home visits to create awareness on pre-monsoon sanitation and waste disposal. Activities such as poster making, bird watching, sky watching and arrangement of drinking water for birds at home.

5. Literary camps, writing workshops and art competitions will be organized to showcase creativity.

6. On the occasion of the conclusion of the campaign, an environment protection gathering will be organized in all CDSs.

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Kudumbashree Balasabha comes up with 'Suchithwolsavam' for effective waste management

Kudumbashree members become Karate Master Trainers through 'Dheeram' Programme of Kudumbashree

Kudumbashree members become Karate Master Trainers through 'Dheeram' Programme of Kudumbashree. 28 Kudumbashree family members have become master trainers after undergoing karate training as part of the 'Dheeram' project initiated by Kudumbashree in collaboration with Sports Kerala Foundation as part of the 100 Day Programme of the Government of Kerala for ensuring self defense for women and for boosting their self-confidence.

In the first phase of the project, 200 hours of training was provided to two people selected from each district in a 25-day residential camp organized till 1 April 2023 at Vattiyoorkavu Shooting Range, Thiruvananthapuram. In the second phase, these master trainers, who have also received gym training, will give karate training to 420 people (30 Kudumbashree women in each district). Karate training groups will be started on an enterprise model involving women who successfully complete this one year-long training. The aim is to provide karate training to women and girls in schools, colleges and residents' associations through them.

Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree inaugurated the certificate distribution for master trainers in a ceremony organized at Vattiyoorkavu on 31 March 2023. Ms. Aswathy Sreenivas IAS, Sub Collector, Thiruvananthapuram, Ms. Seema A.N, Additional Director, Sports Department, Shri. Rajeev R, State Project Coordinator, Sports Foundation Kerala, Ms. Sreebala Ajith, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, Shri Nafih Muhammad, Public Relations Officer, Kudumbashree, Ms. Sindhu .V, State Programme Manager participated in the programme. There was also a karate demonstration by those who completed the training.

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Kudumbashree members become Karate Master Trainers through 'Dheeram' Programme of Kudumbashree

15 Kudumbashree NHG members at Delhi to pay a visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan

15 Kudumbashree NHG members from Kerala are at Delhi to pay a visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan. They are 15 Kudumbashree NHG members belonging to Scheduled Tribes Community and Backward Classes from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram districts. The team of NHG members reached Delhi on 30 March 2023 and fulfilled the dream of visiting Rashtrapati Bhavan on 31 March 2023 as part of Udyan Utsav 2023.

As per the special instructions of the Hon. President, the opportunity for visit was given to women belonging to Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes in Self Help Groups as part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission in all the states of India. As part of this, the team including two NHG members from Wayanad district, one member each from other districts and three Kudumbashree officials arrived in Delhi.

Kudumbashree members in leadership positions who are doing good work in Kudumbashree were selected from 14 districts. These include Model CDS chairpersons and leaders from PVTGs (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups). The team visited the Rashtrapati Bhavan includes Ms. Sunitha Koneriyo (Kasaragod), Ms. Dhanya PN (Kannur), Ms. Sini Vijayan, Nisha. Ms. K (both from Wayanad), Ms. Anitha Babu (Palakkad), Ms. Mini Sujesh (Malappuram) and Ms. Sreena. V (Kozhikode), Ms. Remya. C (Thrissur), Ms. Girija Shaji (Ernakulam), Ms. Rosamma Francis (Idukki), Ms. Ambili Sajeevan (Kottayam), Ms. Prasanna Shaji (Alappuzha), Ms. Geetha PK (Pathanamthitta), Ms. Raziya Ayyappan (Kollam), Ms. Vidyadevi VT (Thiruvananthapuram), Shri. Prabhakaran. M (Kudumbashree State Programme Manager), Ms. Sharika. S (Kudumbashree State Assistant Programme Manager), Shri. Sudheesh Kumar V ( Young Professional, Attappady Special Project). The team will return home on 1 April 2023.

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15 Kudumbashree NHG members at Delhi to pay a visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan

Kudumbashree organizes Logo, Tagline Competition as part of Silver Jubilee Celebrations

Kudumbashree is organizing Logo, Tagline Competition to modify the existing logo as part of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Kudumbashree. Kudumbashree members and general public can participate in the competition. The prize is Rs 10,000 each for logo and tagline. The winners will be awarded with the prize including the memento during the Kudumbashree Day Celebrations which will be held on 17 May 2023.

Logo and tagline can be prepared either in English or Malayalam language. The works should be simple and relevant, clarifying the growth, development and importance of Kudumbashree, such as sustainable development through women's society, innovative career opportunities, inclusive of future development perspectives.

The entries must be received by 15 April 2023 to Executive Director, Kudumbashree State Poverty Eradication Mission, Trida Building, Medical College. P.O., Thiruvananthapuram 695 011.

For details-www.kudumbashree.org/logo

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Kudumbashree organizes Logo, Tagline Competition as part of Silver Jubilee Celebrations

Kudumbashree invites Theme Song from Kudumbashree NHG members

On completing 25 successful years, Kudumbashree is giving a golden opportunity for Kudumbashree NHG members to prepare 'Theme Song' for Kudumbashree. The author of the selected song will receive a prize of Rs. 10,000 and a memento. The prize will be distributed at the Kudumbashree Day Celebration function on 17 May 2023.

Conditions:
1. The composition should be in 'Malayalam' language in line with a secular outlook on life.
2. Content should have a non-sexist message / theme.
3. The writing should inspire the acquisition of confidence, love and cooperative spirit.
4. The composition should not exceed sixteen lines including 'Pallavi', 'Anupallavi' and 'Charanam'.

Last date for receiving the entries is 15 April 2023. The entries may be sent to The Executive Director, State Poverty Eradication Mission (Kudumbashree), TRIDA Building, Medical College P.O, Thiruvananthapuram - 695011
For more details, visit : www.kudumbashree.org/mudrageetham

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Kudumbashree invites Theme Song from Kudumbashree NHG members EN