Imphal: The Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, today graced the closing ceremony of the 18th SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2026 held at the City Convention Centre, Imphal. Organised by the Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM) under the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Government of Manipur, the mela provided a platform for rural women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from the hills and valley to showcase their products, promote their enterprises and explore wider market opportunities. This edition marked the revival of SARAS Keithel and witnessed enthusiastic participation from SHGs and producer groups across the State. The successful Buyer-Seller Meet further strengthened market linkages, while participating SHGs recorded sales of over ₹1.2 crore, marking the highest-ever sales at the SARAS Fair.
Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen joined the programme virtually. Commissioner, RD & PR, Sumant Singh; State Mission Director, MSRLM, Mahesh Hiralal Chaudhari; and General Manager, NABARD, Manipur, Ramalingam Kasinathan also attended the closing ceremony.
During the programme, several SHG members and a District Mission Manager shared their experiences and highlighted the opportunities created through the mela, as well as the benefits extended under various schemes of MSRLM. Their accounts reflected the role of the mission in strengthening rural livelihoods, promoting women’s entrepreneurship and facilitating economic empowerment through collective enterprise. The Governor also presented awards and certificates of appreciation to outstanding Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in recognition of their achievements and exemplary performance.
Addressing at the closing ceremony, Governor of Manipur stated that SARAS Fair was not merely a platform for showcasing local products, but an important avenue for empowering rural women entrepreneurs, strengthening Self-Help Groups and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. He highlighted the significance of the Buyer-Seller Meet in connecting SHGs with wider markets and encouraged women entrepreneurs to focus on product quality, innovation and digital platforms to expand their reach. He further stressed the importance of preserving Manipur’s traditional skills and cultural identity while promoting ‘Made in Manipur’ as a mark of quality, authenticity and excellence. He added that the true success of the fair would lie in the partnerships established, business opportunities created and livelihoods strengthened.
The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the significance of the revival of SARAS Keithel, noting that the fair provided an important platform for rural women entrepreneurs, artisans and producers from the hills and valleys to showcase their products and enterprise. She appreciated MSRLM’s efforts in ensuring the participation of displaced women and producer groups from remote areas, emphasising inclusive development. Referring to the successful Buyer-Seller Meet, she stressed the need to translate such opportunities into sustainable businesses and stronger market linkages.
Commissioner, RD & PR, highlighted the record sales of over ₹1.2 crore achieved by participating Self-Help Groups, marking the highest-ever sales at the SARAS Fair. He noted that Manipur’s strong tradition of women-led enterprises, reflected in the success of Self-Help Groups, presents immense potential for rural economic growth. Emphasising the importance of affordable credit, financial support and stronger market linkages, he stated that the initiative aims to empower one lakh Lakhpati Didis by 2029 and enable SHGs to grow into sustainable and scalable enterprises. He further stressed that the partnerships, business networks and market opportunities generated through the fair must translate into lasting economic benefits for rural communities.
The Governor also visited the various stalls set up at the mela and interacted with the participating SHG members, taking keen interest in their products and entrepreneurial initiatives. He appreciated their efforts in promoting local handloom, handicrafts and indigenous products, and encouraged them to continue strengthening their enterprises and exploring wider market opportunities.
