Army wives showcase entrepreneurship at ‘Stree Shakti-25’ exhibition

Jaipur: The bustling Jawahar Kala Kendra transformed into a lively marketplace Saturday as the Sapt Shakti Army Women Welfare Association hosted the ‘Stree Shakti-25' exhibition. This vibrant event showcased the entrepreneurial spirit of women from families of both serving and retired Army personnel, featuring 13 unique stalls brimming with creativity and innovation.

Among the excited exhibitors was Manjula Devi from Sriganganagar Cantonment, who was showcasing her block-printed items. After years of practicing her craft, she recently ventured into online sales through social media. "When I heard about this exhibition, I knew I had to be part of it," she beamed, representing a wave of women eager to share their talents.


Neha Gupta from Suratgarh echoed similar sentiments. Though she had been honing her embroidery skills for years, it was her first time participating in a formal exhibition. Having built a following on Instagram thanks to her beautifully crafted chokers and earrings, Neha expressed her joy at stepping out of her comfort zone: "This is a big milestone for me."

A special highlight of the exhibition was the stall run by Asha School, an Army-run institution for specially-abled children. Their booth featured art and crafts created by students, with all proceeds reinvested into their development. Paramjit Singh from Jaipur Milittary Station said, "We focus on teaching life skills to empower these children as they enter the real world."

Saroj Kumar Yadav from Hisar Cantonment delighted visitors with her homemade pickles, which have gained popularity. "I started small and word spread. I focus on seasonal varieties without preservatives," she explained proudly.

The ‘Stree Shakti-25' exhibition not only highlighted the resourcefulness of Army women but also fostered community spirit among budding entrepreneurs across the region, showcasing the power of resilience and creativity.