Participation of All is Essential to Realise Vision of Women Empowerment and Self-Reliant India: President Smt. Murmu

June 2026 : President Smt. Droupadi Murmu, on the first day of her visit to Madhya Pradesh on Thursday, reviewed exhibition stalls showcasing various products at the mega conference on “Empowerment of Tribal Society through Spiritual Awakening” held in Betul. She appreciated traditional products made by women from tribal communities and commended efforts being undertaken in Betul towards women empowerment and the vision of a Self-Reliant India.

The President was informed that women associated with self-help groups in Betul district, through Satpudanchal Producer Company, are producing a range of nutritious millet-based products made from ragi, kodo, kutki, jowar and bajra, including cookies, pasta, noodles, instant idli-dosa mix, mixed porridge and other health-oriented products. Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durgadas Uikey and Minister of State for Public Health and Medical Education Shri Narendra Shivaji Patel were also present during the visit.

President Smt. Murmu appreciated work being carried out by various self-help groups in advancing the goals of Vocal for Local, Lakhpati Didi and Self-Reliant India. She said that production of these products is increasing income of women and that women associated with self-help groups are playing an important role in making India self-reliant.

At the exhibition, Satpudanchal Producer Company showcased activities being undertaken through 175 self-help groups comprising 2,075 members, who are engaged in various livelihood activities and earning an additional monthly income of Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000.

President Smt. Murmu also specially reviewed a nutrition exhibition featuring dishes prepared from millets. A total of 18 varieties of nutritious dishes were displayed at the exhibition. She also reviewed products prepared by gaushalas.

The President visited a Bharewa handicrafts stall, where distinctive metal crafts made by tribal women using brass, copper and bell metal were displayed. At this stall, she appreciated skill and craftsmanship of tribal women engaged in traditional metal craftwork popularly known as Dokra art. Shri Baldev Baghmare presented the President with a brass statue of a tribal woman.

President Smt. Murmu also reviewed a stall showcasing forest-based products. Products displayed included Nanda Forest Honey, Betul Teak and Kukru Coffee, along with livelihood and entrepreneurship products developed under the Vocal for Local initiative.