Kudumbashree's  State Arts Festival 'Arangu 2025' has been kickstarted at Athirampuzha of Kottayam district.  V. N. Vasavan, Minister for Co-operation, Ports, and Devaswoms, Government of Kerala inaugurated the festival at St. Mary's Parish hall, Athirampuzha, Kottayam. 

The Minister said that Arangu is the most sought out arts festival other than the state youth festival due to the participation, quality of the programmes and the excellence of administration. Through Arangu, women who were unable to participate in such events during college days got the opportunity to showcase their inherent talents. And that's why the participation of women increases as the years pass by. He added.

No one can resist the social scourge of drug addiction like women. We can develop a high level of socio-cultural understanding. Art or literature is the best way to convince the common people of that. This art festival is coming in a form that can create a rich socio-cultural understanding by organizing festivals and at the same time ensure mental refreshment for the members. Even the old people have been able to show their talents here. The minister said. 

Kudumbashree is approved as the largest women's organization in the world. Kudumbashree's activities, which have been going on for a quarter of a century, have brought about a change in women in our state, and the progress it has made in the general community. Kudumbashree was able to bring women from the kitchens to the stage.  When Kudumbashree members have reached a point where they can come from the kitchen to the stage in every sense and utilize the diverse capacities inherent in them for the benefit of society, they have their own income, they have their own homes, they have their own enterprises, and they are able to protect others. In this way, its successful journey of victory continues steady by bringing about economic, social and cultural upliftment of women. The Minister added. 

Dr. N Jayaraj, MLA, Chief Whip, Government of Kerala, presided over the function. He said that Arangu is the link to change. The Arts festival is organized by Kudumbashree Mission in association with the Local Self Government Department. The three day Art Festival will take place at the 14 venues and 3500 Kudumbashree members will participate in the Arangu State Arts Festival. The competitions are held in two categories viz., NHG Category and Auxiliary Group Category. The Art Festival is an opportunity for the women to present their artistic talents before the society.  

H Dineshan, Executive Director, Kudumbashree welcomed the gathering and Abhilash K. Diwakar, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kottayam District Mission extended vote of Thanks.  Adv Mons Joseph, Kaduthuruthy Constituency, C.K Asha, MLA, Vaikom Constituency, Adv Job Michael, MLA, Changanassery Constituency, Hemalatha Premsagar, President, District Panchayath, Kottayam, John V Samuel IAS, District Collector, Kottayam, Arya Rajan, President, Block Panchayat, Ettumanoor, Haimy Boby, Chairperson, PWD, Mukesh K Mani, Secretary, Block Panchayat President Association, Prof. Rosamma Sony, Divisional Member, District Panchayat, K. V Bindu, Divisional Member, District Panchayat, Jose Joseph Ambalakkulam, President, Athirampuzha Panchayat, V. K Pradeep, President, Neendoor Panchayat,  Ancy vargheese, Member, Ettumanoor Block Panchayat, Shyam Kumar K.U, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, Rev. Father Joseph Mundakathil, St Mary's Forane Church, Athirampuzha, also attended the programme. 

There are 49 competitions (33 stage items and 16 non-stage items) in various items such as Sinkarimelam, Drama, Stamping Drama, Thiruvathira, Oppana, Margamkali, Skit, Mime, Lyrical Narrative (Kadha Prasangam), Group Song, Group Dance, Folk Song, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Mono Act, Mohiniyattam, Mimicry, Light Music, Kerala Nadanam, Fancy Dress, Recitation (Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi, English, Arabic), Elocution, Story Writing (Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi, English, Arabic) Poem Writing (Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi, English, Arabic), Painting (Water Colour, pencil Collage, Cartoon), Folk Dance, Mapilappatt, Flute, Violin, Tabla, Jazz etc. 

There are 14 venues viz., Venue 1- 'Aa'- St Mary's Parish Hall, Venue 2- 'Ee'- St. Aloysius High School, Venue 3- 'Ru'- AC Parish Hall, Venue 4- 'Sa'- Vishwamatha Auditorium, Venue 5- 'Ra'- St. Aloysius L P School,  Venue 6- 'Zha'- St. Mary's Girls UP School, Venue 7- 'Ya'- ClassRoom, St. Aloysius High School,  Venue 8- 'Rra' -ClassRoom, St. Aloysius High School,  Venue 9-  Ga'-ClassRoom, St. Aloysius High School,   Venue 10- A -ClassRoom, St. Aloysius  High School, Venue 11- 'Dha' -ClassRoom, St. Aloysius High School, Venue 12- 'Ha' -ClassRoom, St. Aloysius High School, Venue 13- 'La'-ClassRoom, St. Aloysius  High School, Venue 14- 'O' -ClassRoom, St. Aloysius High School.

A three-day national workshop on internal audit was organized by Kudumbashree in Ernakulam from 19 to 21 May 2025. Representatives from 25 states including Kerala were part of the workshop. The workshop was organized as part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). The workshop organized at Diana Heights, Nedumbassery, Ernakulam was inaugurated by Dr. Monica. B, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development. 

Naveen C, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree gave an introduction about Kudumbashree Accounting and Auditing Service Society (KAASS). Mission Directors from six states also explained the internal audit practices in their respective states. As part of the workshop, seven Kudumbashree CDSs in Ernakulam district were visited to understand the CAS activities.

A career guidance workshop was organized for the students who passed Class 10 in the academic year 2024-25 in the indigenous area of Attappady, under the leadership of the Attappady Tribal Comprehensive Development Project implemented through Kudumbashree. About 100 students participated in the workshop organized at the Conference Hall, KILA, Agali on 20 May 2025.

Shanthamani E.S, Senior Dairy Extension Officer, Attappady conducted class on the topic-'Students in the indigenous area and higher education' whereas Robbins K. Thomas, Economics Teacher, Higher Secondary School, Agali led the class on the topic- 'Plus One Single Window Admission System: Things to be noted by students and parents'. Shahul Hameed, Junior Employment Officer, Attappady conducted the class on the topics of 'Employment Exchange Services and Higher Education Possibilities after SSLC'. 'From Indigenous Area to Government Service' was the topic led by S.S. Kaliswamy, Health Inspector, Sholayur. Kudumbashree is also working to ensure that all students who have passed Class 10 in the upper grades submit their applications for Plus One admission through the Single Window Admission System through Animators.

B.S. Manoj, Assistant Project Officer, Attappady Tribal Comprehensive Development Project inaugurated the workshop. Saraswathi Muthu Kumar, President, Agali Panchayat Samiti, Shanthi, Praja Narayanan and Kurumbi, Secretaries, Panchayat Samiti spoke at the function. Jomon K.J, Project Co-ordinator welcomed the gathering and Rajesh, Youth Co-ordinator proposed the vote of thanks.

Kudumbashree members are becoming part of the 'Women for Trees' Campaign. The first phase of the 'Women for Trees'- Green City Campaign, organized by Kudumbashree with a focus on urban areas of Kerala, has begun in the state. The Campaign is being held from 21 to 23 May 2025. The aim of the campaign is urban greening and cleanliness through women. As part of the first phase of the activities, the feasibility study to plant shade trees and fruit tree saplings in 93 municipal areas of the state began on 21 May 2025.

The decision has been made to plant saplings in the places identified by the NHG women from 5 June 2025, World Environment Day to August 2025. The saplings will be planted mainly near water bodies and parks in the urban area and on the roadsides. The saplings required for this will be made available from the Department of Agriculture, Kudumbashree nurseries and other local marketing centres.

The initiative aims to promote urban greenery, ecological sustainability, and community ownership, while also generating livelihood opportunities for women. Activities such as tree planting, maintenance, and environmental stewardship will be carried out by Kudumbashree NHGs, who will be mobilized and trained to care for trees in public spaces like roadsides, parks, school premises, and vacant urban lands, with support from Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). The possibilities for planting trees will be identified through the members of the Kudumbashree NHGs formed in the urban area as part of the National Urban Livelihood Mission project. The Urban Local Bodies will also become part of this. The participation of residents' associations and schools will also be sought.

A robust monitoring system will ensure the healthy growth and long-term survival of saplings. Kudumbashree members in the urban area have been identified for matters including tree planting and ongoing maintenance. The campaign will provide them with an opportunity to get a better livelihood. The participating women will receive stipends or wages for their contributions through NULM. This grassroots-driven approach not only expands urban green cover and enhances climate resilience but also promotes women's socio-economic empowerment and strengthens participatory urban governance.

Kudumbashree plant nurseries and compost units will also be linked to the campaign activities. The AMRUT Mission will also be involved in the urban greening activities. It is hoped that the campaign will help in promoting sustainable urban development and also create better livelihoods for women in cities and towns.

The Women for Trees-Green City Campaign is a campaign planned and organized by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs across the country. The activities are being carried out in collaboration with the AMRUT Mission. The campaign will be conducted in collaboration with the State Urban Livelihood Missions, Urban Local Bodies and the Forest Department. The feasibility study will be completed on 23 May 2025. Kudumbashree is the state nodal agency of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) in Kerala.

The cultural procession led by Rangashree team members as part of the promotional activities for Arangu 2025, the Kudumbashree State Arts Festival which will be organized in Athirampuzha of Kottayam from 26-28 May 2025,  began on 21 May 2025. Hemalatha Premsagar, President, Kottayam District Panchayat flagged off the Arts Festival at Gandhi Square in Kottayam.

The cultural procession also toured Perunna of Changanassery, Karukachal, Kanjirapally and Mundakkayam bus stands on 21 May 2025. The  cultural procession will conclude at Ettumanoor on 24 May 2025.

Places and times where the Cultural Procession will reach:

22 May 2025
Vaikom Municipality - 10 AM
Thalayolaparambu Bus Stand - 11 AM
Pala Kottaramattom - 2 PM
Erattupetta - 4 PM

24 May 2025
Kumarakom - 10 AM
Thiruvarpu - 11 AM
Aymanam - 12 PM
Medical College - 2 PM
Athirampuzha - 3 PM
Neendoor - 4 PM 
Ettumanoor - 5 PM

The cooking competition organized by the Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission at the 'Ente Keralam Exhibition and Marketing Fair' in Thrissur is gaining attention. The first competition in the cooking competition as part of the fair organized at Thekkinkadu Maidan, Thrissur  was organized on 20 May 2025. The competition was to prepare different types of juices.

The winners of the cooking competition organized at the block level to promote the 'Ente Keralam Exhibition and Marketing Fair' will compete in the district-level competitions. Vinci Varghese representing Koratty CDS in Chalakudy block (First Place),  Sujatha Sukumar from Guruvayur Municipality and Lissy Xavier from Kuzhur CDS in Mala block (Second Place) and Daisy Jose from Velukkara CDS in Vellangallur block and Bindu Santhosh from Porkkulam CDS in Chovannoor block (Third Place) are the winners of the First Day Competitions. The competitions on categories such as Payasam, Puttu, Cake and local snacks will be held on  21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th respectively.

M.B. Rajesh, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Excise Department and Parliamentary Affairs Department, Government of Kerala inaugurated the Kudumbashree Day-27th Anniversary Celebrations of Kudumbashree during the function held at Tagore Theatre, Thiruvananthapuram on 17 May 2025. He inaugurated the 27th Kudumbashree Anniversary Celebrations, distributed the Kudumbashree Awards 2025 to the winners and announced the completion of K-LIFT Project. He also performed the distribution of Green Fellowship.

Through the K-LIFT Programme launched during February 2024, Kudumbashree was able to provide livelihood to 3,06,862 people in 176 different sectors within the last one year through wage employment as well as self employment. The K-LIFT Project was able to show the real potential of Kudumbashree. This will motivate Kudumbashree to make new challenges. Kudumbashree Kerala Chicken was able to make 8% of market share and Kudumbashree is capable of increasing it to 50% by next year. The Minister said. He also added that the social scenario of Kerala can be divided into two halves, before and after Kudumbashree. Before 27 years, Kudumbashree aimed at poverty eradication and now Kudumbashree has succeeded in that and has taken up new aims. The Minister added. He also said that the contributions of Kudumbashree will always be marked in the history of Kerala. Kudumbashree has turned many women who had the NHGs into entrepreneurs and people's representatives. Kudumbashree has led women from kitchens to the mainstream of society. Kudumbashree is the best model that Kerala has contributed to the world and it is one of the largest women’s networks in Asia. Also, the Haritha Karma Sena Members of Kudumbashree have become the 'Sanitation Army' of Kerala. Kudumbashree is creating livelihood in the care economy through the K4 Care Programme and by next year livelihood will be provided to 1 lakh people through Vijnana Keralam Project and K-Disc.

Adv. G. R. Anil, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Government of Kerala  presided over the function. In his presidential address, he said that Kudumbashree was launched as the state poverty eradication mission of Kerala and now it has grown into the biggest network of women with its unity. Kudumbashree has become the most notable movement and has been able to improve the confidence of Kudumbashree women and helped them improve their gender status. He also added that Kudumbashree has become an inevitable part of Kerala and the project which was started as a project has now turned into a movement.

V. Sivankutty, Minister for General Education and Labour, Government of Kerala was the Chief Guest of the function. He said that Kudumbashree Kiosks will be opened in Schools for selling school stationery products for students and through this livelihood will be provided to 3 women per kiosk.

Video screening of the best models in the Kudumbashree State Level Awards was also held ahead of the inaugural programme. The programme was started with the visual display of Mudra Geetham by the Kudumbashree Rangashree Team from Wayanad. The inaugural session was followed by 'Veera Nadanam', the performance by Team Gramam Kala Sangham from Wayanad, a Kudumbashree Auxiliary Group Initiative. Video launch of Happy Keralam Programme was also launched at the function.

H. Dineshan IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree welcomed the gathering and  Ramesh G, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram District Mission proposed the vote of thanks. CDS Chairpersons, people's representatives and state-district officials were also part of the function.

Kudumbashree 2025 Awards
Kudumbashree Awards 2025 is constituted as part of intensifying Kudumbashree project activities and honoring excellent and notable achievements. Awards are given in a total of 17 categories viz., Best NHG, Best ADS, Best Ooru Samithi, Best Enterprise Group, Best Entrepreneur, Best BUDS Institution, Best Gender Resource Centre, Best Auxiliary Group, Best Auxiliary Enterprise, Best Snehitha Gender Help Desk, District that has carried out the Best Public Relations Activities, Best District Mission, as well as Best CDS (Convergence Activities, Unique Activities, Administration-Microfinance Activities), Best CDS (Agriculture Sector, Animal Husbandry), Best CDS (Social Development, Gender), Best CDS (Tribal Activities), Best CDS (Micro Enterprise, DDU-GKY, K-DISC).

The details of State Level Award Winners are as follows:

1. Best NHG

First Place: Pournami NHG, Sulthan Bathery CDS, Wayanad
Second Place: Bhagyashree NHG, Sreekrishnapuram CDS, Palakkad
Third Place: Aswathy NHG, Thiruvaniyoor CDS, Ernakulam

2. Best ADS

First Place: Thichur ADS, Varavoor CDS, Thrissur
Second Place: Punnamparambu ADS, Sreekrishnapuram CDS, Palakkad
Third Place: Mattara ADS, Ulikkal CDS, Kannur

3. Best Auxiliary Group

First Place: Dhwani Auxiliary Group, Sulthan Bathery CDS, Wayanad
Second Place: Punarjani Auxiliary Group, Porkulam CDS, Thrissur
Third Place: Wings of Fire Auxiliary Group, Tiruvallur CDS, Kozhikode
Vaibhavam Auxiliary Group, Haripad CDS, Alappuzha

4. Best Ooru Samithi

First Place: Daivagund/Jellippara Oorusamithi, Agali Panchayath Samithi, Palakkad
Second Place: Sthreesakthi Oorusamithi, Thirunelly CDS, Wayanad

5. Best Enterprise Group

First Place: Sanjeevani Nutrimix, Thazhekad CDS, Malappuram
Second Place: Aishwarya Sree Amrutham Foods, Thirumittakode CDS, Palakkad
Third Place: Nanma Food Processing Unit, Pozhuthana CDS, Wayanad

6. Best Entrepreneur

First Place: Ms. Shareefa, Malappuram Municipality CDS 2, Malappuram
Second Place: Ms. Eliyamma Philip. Panathady CDS, Kasaragod
Third Place: Ms. Sandhya J, Pulimath CDS, Thiruvananthapuram

7.Best Auxiliary Group Enterprise

First Place: Team Gramam, Poothadi CDS, Wayanad
Second Place: One 18, Varavoor CDS, Thrissur
Third Place: AG's Aranyakam Home Stay & Cafe, Amarambalam CDS, Malappuram

8. Best CDS-Convergence Activities, Unique Activities, Administration-Microfinance Activities

First Place: Cheruvathoor CDS, Kasaragod
Second Place: Aryanad CDS, Thiruvananthapuram
Third Place: Varavoor CDS, Thrissur

9. Best CDS-Social Development, Gender

First Place: Varavoor CDS, Thrissur
Second Place: Kinanoor Karinthalam CDS, Kasaragod
Third Place: Kavilumpara CDS, Kozhikode

10. Best CDS-Tribal Activities

First Place: Marayoor CDS, Idukki
Second Place: Thirunelly CDS, Wayanad

11. Best CDS- Agriculture Sector, Animal Husbandry

First Place: Varavoor CDS, Thrissur
Second Place: Bedadukka CDS, Kasaragod
Third Place: Valakom CDS, Ernakulam

12. Best CDS- Non Farm Livelihood (Micro Enterprise, DDU-GKY, K-DISC)

First Place: Mariyapuram CDS, Idukki
Second Place: Muttil CDS, Wayanad
Third Place: Sasthamcotta CDS, Kollam

13. Best BUDS Institution

First Place: Pazhassi Raja BUDS School, Mattannur CDS, Kannur
Second Place: BUDS Paradise Special School, Thirunelly Wayanad
Third Place: Spectrum Special School, Marancherry CDS, Malappuram

14. Best Gender Resource Centre

First Place: Vazhayoor GRC, Vazhayoor CDS, Malappuram
Second Place: Nanniyode GRC, Nanniyode CDS, Thiruvananthapuram
Third Place: Pallippuram GRC, Pallippuram CDS, Ernakulam

15. Best Snehitha

First Place: Malappuram
Second Place: Thrissur
Third Place: Thiruvananthapuram

16. Best District Mission

First Place: Kollam
Second Place: Thrissur
Third Place: Ernakulam & Wayanad

17. District that carried out Best Public Relation Activities

First Place: Kollam
Second Place: Thrissur
Third Place: Ernakulam

The State Level Award Selection Committee, chaired by the Special Secretary of the Local Self Government Department and convened by the Executive Director of Kudumbashree, selected the state level winners in various categories. The District Level Award Selection Committee, chaired by a member of the Kudumbashree Governing Body and the respective District Mission Co-ordinators as the Working Chairmen had selected the winners in the district level.

Kudumbashree has 760 Business Correspondent Sakhis (BC Sakhis) in the state to take banking services to the grassroots and bring banking services to the doorsteps of the common people. The services of BC Sakhis will be very helpful for those who are not digitally literate and those who are physically challenged and have to go to the bank for various purposes including receiving pension. The scheme is being implemented as per the guidelines of the National Rural Livelihood Mission, One BC Sakhi in One CDS. Currently, many members of poor families who are receiving social pension are benefiting from the services of BC Sakhis.
             
Many services such as investment schemes implemented by various banks in the state, including nationalized banks, personal small loans, insurance schemes, deposit and withdrawal of money will be available through BC Sakhis. In addition, services related to postal life insurance and postal recurring deposit schemes will be available. Financial transactions up to Rs. 10,000 can be made through them. BC Sakhis are members selected from Kudumbashree NHGs. They receive income on a commission basis for providing banking services. In addition, financial assistance is provided through Kudumbashree to those who perform well.This year, 400 more BC Sakhis will be appointed in CDSs. For this, eligible persons have been identified from among Kudumbashree members and a list has been provided to the banks. They are being appointed through agencies appointed on behalf of the banks.

The FNHW Project Model implemented in the state through Kudumbashree to ensure access to nutrition, health and hygiene for women and children is going to be implemented in Lakshadweep. The project will be implemented in Lakshadweep through the National Resource Organization, which implements the Kudumbashree model in other states. In this regard, H. Dineshan, Executive Director, Kudumbashree and Muhammed Salim, Programme Officer, Lakshadweep Rural Livelihood Mission exchanged an MoU.
   
The formation of NHGs was started in Lakshadweep in 2018, as part of the implementation of Kudumbashree activities. The FNHW project, a sub-component of the National Rural Livelihood Mission will enable more activities to be carried out in the areas of women empowerment and livelihood. Enterprises will be formed in various sectors, including the production of nutritious value-added products for women. The advantage of this project is that it will be able to provide women with income, nutrition and health at the same time. In addition, agricultural nutrition gardens will be set up to provide nutrition, including fruits and vegetables, to each family in the NHG.

The project also includes activities that focus on changing the attitude of women. As part of this, awareness programmes and medical camps related to nutrition, health and hygiene will be organized for NHG women, children, lactating mothers, elderly people and adolescent girls. For this, co-ordination with various departments such as Health, Women and Child Development, Excise and other local self-government institutions in Lakshadweep will be ensured. Kudumbashree Community Resource Persons and Island Level Federation representatives will jointly carry out field-level activities. Currently, as part of the FNHW project, awareness training has been provided in more than 42 lakh NHGs in the state on menstrual hygiene and the importance of nutrition for women.

Priya Paul, Programme Manager, Kudumbashree National Resource Organization, Minish Abraham, Manager, Finance and Administration, Simi Susan Moncy, Assistant Programme Manager, and Alby Wilson, Thematic Anchor attended the MoU handover ceremony.

The organizing committee and sub-committees of 'Arangu 2025', the State Arts Festival of Kudumbashree NHG & Auxiliary Group members proposed to be held in Athirampuzha, Kottayam have been formed. V. N. Vasavan, Minister for Co-operation, Ports, and Devaswoms, Government of Kerala inaugurated the organizing committee formation meeting and released the logo of 'Arangu 2025'.

V.N. Vasavan, Minister for Co-operation, Ports, and Devaswoms, Government of Kerala is the chairman of the organizing committee and H. Dineshan IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree is the convener. 500 people are members of the committees. About 5000 women from 14 districts who have participated and won in the ADS, CDS, Taluk and district level cultural festivals will compete in the Arangu State Cultural Festival. Competitions are held in 33 categories. There are competitions in senior and junior categories and there are a total of 13 venues.

Hemalatha Premsagar, President, Kottayam District Panchayat presided over the meeting of the organizing committee held at the St. Mary's Forona Church campus in Athirampuzha. Shyam Kumar K.U, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree delivered the keynote address. Prof. Rosamma Soni, Bindu K.V, Lovely George, Arya Rajan, Ajayan K. Menon, Jose Ambalakulam, James Kurian, Public representatives, Nishad C.C., State Programme Manager, Kudumbashree extended their greetings. Abhilash. K. Divakar, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kottayam District Mission welcomed the gathering and Prakash B. Nair, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kottayam District Mission proposed the vote of thanks.

Shyam Kumar K.U. was elected as the General Convener of the organizing committee, Abhilash K. Divakar as the Working Convener, and Hemalatha Prem Sagar, Arya Rajan, and Jose Ambalakulam were also elected as members of the organizing committee. Sub-committees were formed with the chairmen of various local self-government institutions in Ettumanoor block as chairmen and the Kudumbashree District Programme Managers as conveners.