Kohima Bureau
Kohima, March 20 (EMN): The 2nd edition of the Regional Sales of Articles of Rural Artisan Society (SARAS) Fair got underway at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima on March 20.
The 5-day event will seek to promote and sell rural products put on display by various women self help groups (SHG) gathered from all over the state. It is being organised by the Nagaland state rural livelihood mission (NSRLM) under the department of Rural Development.
SARAS fair is an initiative of the Union Ministry of Rural Development to market rural products and provide opportunity for income generation to the SHGs and rural artisans.
Secretary, Kelei Zeliang was chief guest at the inaugural event. In his address, Zeliang described women as the ‘backbone and an important component of the society.’ He maintained that women should be empowered in order to build a strong society.
He observed that activities undertaken by women were ‘more action and result oriented’, and felt that though men talk about bringing changes in the society, it was women who could actually bring the change through their sincerity and dedication.
Stating that ‘ours is a begging society’, Zeliang asserted on the need to transform it into a ‘giving society’. While reiterating that the government should not always be blamed, Zeliang said change has to begin from each and every individual by changing one’s attitude and habit.
Zeliang maintained that ‘with the fast changing of time and increase in population’ innovative ideas, new schemes and projects were the need of the hour to promote sustainable living.
More than 100 participants from 50 SHGs from eight districts of Dimapur, Kohima, Phek, Kiphire, Mokokchung, Zunheboto, Mon and Wokha have set up stalls at the fair.
Organic vegetables, locally made products like pickles, snacks, dried fruits, fertilizers, hand-made jewelleries, crafts etc are being sold.
