Inauguration of Satara District’s Self-Help Groups Pavilion at Maharashtra Sadan

New Delhi, Aug 2025 : A permanent pavilion dedicated to the products of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from Satara district was inaugurated today at Maharashtra Sadan by Resident Commissioner and Secretary R. Vimala in an enthusiastic atmosphere. Additional Resident Commissioner Niva Jain and Assistant Resident Commissioner Smita Shelar were also present.

Earlier, on August 15 during the Independence Day flag hoisting at Delhi’s Red Fort, 20 women from Satara district—including “Lakhpati Didis,” SHG leaders, and winners of the Atmanirbhar Cluster Level Federation (CLF) Award—participated. During this visit, they met Resident Commissioner R. Vimala at Maharashtra Sadan and presented handicrafts, food items, and local products as gifts. They also submitted a memorandum prepared by Satara Zilla Parishad’s CEO Yashini Nagarajan, requesting opportunities for market access, participation in exhibitions, and necessary support. R. Vimala responded positively and assured them full cooperation to showcase their products at the national level, leading to the opening of this pavilion.

With guidance from R. Vimala, the pavilion was quickly realized with the aim of bringing Satara’s cultural and economic heritage to a national platform. Considering the high demand for SHG products in Delhi’s vast market, the pavilion will serve as a permanent platform for rural entrepreneurs from Satara to present their art, skills, and products.

Satara’s SHGs have made remarkable contributions in agriculture, food processing, and handicrafts. Products such as Indrayani rice, Salem turmeric, organic sorghum and millet, strawberries, jaggery, peanut oil, ghongadi (traditional woolen blankets), silk fabrics, soaps, spices, and millet cookies have earned recognition in local and national markets. Particularly, Satara’s ghongadi and silk fabrics have gained popularity among Delhi consumers for their durability and cultural value.

Speaking at the inauguration, Resident Commissioner R. Vimala said, “The enthusiasm shown by the Lakhpati Didis and SHG women during their visit, along with the quality of their products, inspired this initiative. This pavilion will give rural entrepreneurs from Satara district the opportunity to showcase their skills and products at the national level. I encourage Marathi families in Delhi and other consumers to visit and support this pavilion.” She emphasized that the pavilion is not just a sales center but a significant effort to take Satara’s cultural and economic heritage to a national platform.

This initiative received full support from Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Jaykumar Gore, who inspected the proposed site during his Delhi visit and directed immediate action. He stated, “SHGs from Satara have strengthened the local economy. This pavilion will provide them with a permanent presence in Delhi’s market.” Zilla Parishad CEO Yashini Nagarajan also welcomed the initiative, noting, “This pavilion will further empower rural women economically and give their products rightful recognition.”

The pavilion will feature Satara’s unique products, Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged items, agricultural produce, handicrafts, and household goods. Future plans include mobile exhibitions and multi-storey malls to further boost rural entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment. This pavilion will position Maharashtra Sadan as a hub of Satara’s cultural and economic heritage while enhancing the confidence of rural entrepreneurs and giving new direction to their economic progress.