Women bring aroma of homemade delicacies

Mangalore, October 4: There were several success stories at the three-day exhibition of products by Women's Self Help Groups organised by the Karnataka State Women Development Corporation (KSWDC) and Women and Child Welfare Department at Kanthi Church Hall near Mangaladevi temple on Monday.

The exhibition had array of products like pickles, pappads, sandige, juices, dress materials, one gram gold ornaments, and bags, produced by various Self Help Groups.

Atleast six varieties of pickles by Mahalakshmi Self Help Group, ayurveda products like 'kashaya powder for kidney stone,' 'oil to heal the pain, 'choorna' for memory power, gooseberry syrup and many more were at the expo.

A woman who was selling one gram gold ornaments said that she orders for the ornaments from Chennai and she sells them in Mangalore.

“There is great demand for bangles, chains and necklaces here,” she added. Mukta from Bejai was seen selling 'chutney pudi'. Her stall had many youth thronging because she was selling Flax seeds chutney powder, which is said to be good for health. Incense sticks, wicks etc were also at the expo.

Vinoda Baliga from Mangalore was seen with her unique products like 'thimare sendige,' 'Nuggesoppu sendige,' 'Ragi sendige,' 'bend' (a sweet with pepper and jaggery), Nannari juice, 'Appemidi,' lemon, vegetables, 'Karande,' 'Kanile' and 'Ambade' pickles.

Anugraha Self Help Group members consisting mainly of Muslim women from Harekala were selling eatables like 'Nevari,' 'Nippattu,' 'green gram unde,' and a special dasavala juice.

Athiba, a group member said “we prepare these eatables at home.” The group had also displayed the method of preparing these eatables. There were nearly 40 stalls at the exhibition.

Speaking on the occasion, Assembly Deputy Speaker N Yogish Bhat said that “women should become self-reliant and lead a respectable life. The Karnataka State Women Development Corporation is planning to have a building to sell the products produced by the SHGs in Mangalore. The land has already been identified and the Corporation is ready to pay a sum of Rs 65 lakh for the same.”

Karnataka State Women Development Corporation Chairperson Sarojini Bharadwaj said “failures and success are part and parcel of any business. Women entrepreneurs should not compare their products with others. They should just keep doing good work.” She called upon the entreprenuers to maintain quality of their produce.

Deputy Mayor Geetha Nayak, Zilla Panchayat Vice-President Dhanalakshmi Janardhan, Women and Child Welfare department Deputy Director Shakunthala and others were present.