Modi praises women traders

PATNA: The three-day 8th Mahila Udyog Mela concluded on Monday. The concluding day was marked by a function. A directory of members of the Bihar Mahila Udyog Sangh was also released on the occasion by the leader of opposition in the state assembly, Sushil Kumar Modi.
Speaking at the event, Modi said that self-employment was a safe option today as there was a great dearth of jobs.
He said it was heartening to know that women were able to contribute to the family income besides bearing the responsibilities of their homes. He added that the government should lend the ground for free for the mela. He also assured the women entrepreneurs that he’d raise their demands in the assembly.
It is a tough challenge every year to organise the mela as we are hard-pressed for funds. The government provides very little support. We also don’t have any representation in the department of industries. Ours is a floating organisation as we don’t have any infrastructure in the name of the organisation, rued Pushpa Chopra, chairperson of the Bihar Mahila Udyog Sangh.
She also said that entrepreneurship required an ability to take risks together with a lot of hard work. The only thing that could ensure recognition for the product is its quality, she added.
Participatory certificates were distributed to all the women entrepreneurs who had put up their stalls. There was mixed responses at the stalls on the last day. While Savita Kumari from Darbhanga was pleased that she had been able to sell most of her garments, Shanti and Jaymati from Chhattishgarh were disappointed as they were able to earn less than they did in the melas in Delhi and Mumbai.
Away from the usual buying and selling, one stall that attracted the attention of visitors with its soothing music was that of the Art of Living. We have received nearly 2000 curious visitors at our stall who are eager to know about our course, said Sangita Sinha, a volunteer.
A live demonstration of mehendi, applique work, embroidery, Mithila painting and Sangam carpets was also presented.