The Hindu 09.12.2010
Three SHG women make a profitable presence at international trade fair
Women power:Self-Help Group members
TIRUPATI: In spite of hailing from lower middle economic group, the three stood as the epitome of ‘women power' and proved their mettle at the national capital.
SHG members B. Nagarathnamma (Nayudamma), V. Sarojamma and R. Nagarathna took part in the 30th India International Trade Fair held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi during the second fortnight of last month and brought home not just fame, but also made good money. They won an award under the category ‘Best Decorative Stall' for aesthetically decorating and exhibiting their products in the crammed little stall at the expo ‘SARAS 2010'.
Under Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA), a unit of the Department of Municipal Administration, the three were handpicked by the Indira Kranti Patham (IKP-Urban) to be sent to the national-level exhibition. The three women make a living by selling artefacts made of shell, framed photos of Lord Venkateswara and the ‘Ananda Nilayam', the famous canopy over the Tirumala sanctum sanctorum, artificial garlands etc. to wholesalers in Tirumala/Tirupati, but what they gain at the end of the day is peanuts. But, when they took these products to Delhi, they could almost sell the entire stock worth Rs.1.5 lakh and also make a net profit of Rs.45,000. “Rs.15,000 per head means Rs.1,000 per day for a fortnight, which is a dream figure for a middle class housewife”, says IKP Project Director S. Lakshmi, who strove hard to get them entry at the event.
The three women feel enchanted at the recognition. “We got an idea of such large scale events and how we can benefit from them”, says Nayudamma. While many women came with their husbands or brothers in tow, the trio went all alone by train and managed the show with their little knowledge of Hindi.
Now, they are bubbling with confidence to take part in more such exhibitions and melas!
