None of the trainees at the Kudumbashree Thalir BUDS Rehabilitation Centre under the Veloor Grama Panchayat in Thrissur have slept the night before Thrissur Pooram Day. It was the day when all of them fulfilled their dream of being a part of the world-famous Thrissur Pooram, where thousands flock to their hometowns, at least once.

A 40-member group consisting of BRC trainees, parents and members of the Veloor Grama Panchayat Administrative Committee came to Thrissur to participate in the Pooram. Earlier, in a meeting with Arjun Pandian IAS, District Collector, the BRC trainees were given the opportunity to enjoy the Pooram smoothly as requested by the trainees.

From the time the trainees arrived in Pooram Nagari till their return, the Collector and his team were with the trainees and provided them with all the facilities they needed. V.S. Prince, President, District Panchayat also met the trainees. The trainees of BRC did not forget to thank the Collector for taking the initiative and joining them in making their dream come true despite the busy schedule.

Kollam district also become part of Kudumbashree's premium restaurant chain, which provides all kinds of modern facilities to the public. The official inauguration of Cafe Kudumbashree Premium Restaurant was performed by K.N. Balagopal, Minister of Finance, Government of Kerala at Vettamukku Junction in Panmana Grama Panchayat, Kollam on 6 May 2025. This is the eleventh premium restaurant launched by Kudumbashree. Cafe Kudumbashree Premium Restaurant is currently operating in Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.

The specialty of the Premium Restaurant opened in Kollam is the dishes that emphasize the local flavor of Kollam. Ashtamudi Prachi Curry, Kanambu Mappas, Kallummakaya Mappas, Ashtamudi Karimeen Pollichathu, Chippi Roast, Kanava 23, Shrimp Malhar, and Special Desinganadu Fish Sadya including four types of fish, prawns, and crab are available here. There are also vegetarian meals, fish curry meals, sadya, biryani, Arabian, and Chinese dishes. It has a capacity for 82 people to eat at a time. It also has a feeding room, good washrooms, and parking.

The cafe is operated by the Insight Activity Group of Panmana Panchayat. 38 people from NHG families in Chavara, Thevalakkara and Panmana grama panchayats are getting a livelihood opportunity through the restaurant.

Sujith Vijayan Pillai, MLA, Chavara constituency presided over the inaugural ceremony. Dr. P.K. Gopan, President, District Panchayat and T. Manoharan, Chairman, Matsyafed were the Chief Guests of the function. Santosh Thuppassery, President, Chavara Block Panchayat, Sreekala. P, President, Panmana Grama Panchayat, Adv. C.P. Sudheesh Kumar, S. Soman, Members,  Kollam District Panchayat, Seenath, Chavara Block Panchayat Member and Rajeev Kunjumani, Member, Panmana Grama Panchayat spoke at the function. Dr. Anchal Krishnakumar, Public Relations Officer, Kudumbashree, Ramya Sunith, Chairperson, Panmana CDS, Aneesa. A, Ratheesh. R, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinators,  Kudumbashree Kollam District Mission, Vishnu Prasad, District Programme Manager, Kudumbashree Kollam District Mission were also present at the function. Vimal Chandran. R, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree  Kollam District Mission welcomed the gathering and Unmesh. B, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kollam District Mission delivered the vote of thanks.

The Prakriti Millet Cafe, set up at stall number 6, is leading the way with its variety of flavors and quality at the India Food Court, set up as part of the Kudumbashree National Saras Mela on the Kozhikode beach. The main dishes at the stall are Finger Millet Banana Fritters (Muthari Pazhampori), Sorghum Pakora (Manicholam Pakoda), Pearl Millet Vada (Bajra Vada), Finger Millet Ada (Ragi Ilayada), Finger Millet Dumpling (Ragi Kozhukatta), which are prepared using small grains and pure coconut oil without adding any flour like maida. Juices prepared using small grains without adding any sweetener are also available at the stall.

The star among the juices is the 'Ojassy' Health Drink, which is prepared with about seven spices and various small grains. The Aparna NHG of the Kayanna Panchayat CDS in Kozhikode started the Natural Millet Cafe as a youth initiative in 2018. Having participated in many local fairs, this is the first time they are part of the National Saras Mela. The potential of small grains to boost immunity and fight lifestyle diseases is what motivated these entrepreneurs to start the Natural Millet Cafe.

As part of the PMAY (U) LIFE scheme being implemented in the state through Kudumbashree, the construction of 90,237 houses has been completed. The central government has approved the construction of 1,27,048 houses across the state. For this, Rs. 2124.68 crores have been sanctioned till date, including central and state share. Out of the approved houses, the construction of 90,237 houses have been completed so far.

The construction of the remaining 36,811 houses will also be completed soon. With this, the dream of owning a house for 1,27,048 homeless beneficiaries will become a reality. The project also paves the way for many homeless families to live with dignity in the society by providing them with secure and habitable houses. This achievement is due to Kudumbashree working as the nodal agency under the joint auspices of the central and state governments and municipalities.

With the aim of 'Housing for All', the project is being implemented in all 93 urban local bodies in the state in collaboration with LIFE Mission. The projects have been approved by including them in the Beneficiary Led Construction Component. Under the PMAY (Urban) LIFE scheme, homeless families with an annual income of less than Rs. three lakhs will get Rs. four lakh for the construction of houses through the project. Out of this, Rs. 2 lakhs is provided by the municipality and Rs. 50,000 is provided by the state government. Therefore a total of Rs. 2,50,000 is provided by the state government. Rs. 1.5 lakhs is the central share.

The Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme, a sub-component of the PMAY (Urban) LIFE Scheme, has also helped the beneficiaries to acquire their own homes. Under this, the beneficiaries will be provided with loans from the bank to construct or purchase their own houses. Till date, 32,651 families have been provided with such loans. Kudumbashree had also obtained permission to construct 11 housing complexes comprising 970 units for the landless and homeless in collaboration with LIFE Mission. Out of these, the construction of 530 units has been completed. The construction of the remaining units is progressing rapidly.

Leela of Pala Kochuparampil in Kottayam district is making her life beautiful by adorning herself with pearls even in her old age. For the past 25 years, Leela has been adorning her life with pearls. The jewelry made by 70-year-old Leela using pearls, marble, crystal, sandstone, tiger stone and natural stone has captivated the hearts of everyone who comes to the Kozhikode Kudumbashree National Saras Mela. She has prepared and sold bangles, necklaces, earrings, foot chains and chains. Jewelry ranging from Rs. 60 to Rs. 1500 can be purchased at her stall number 57.

The jewelry is made by going directly to Bengaluru and Hyderabad to collect essential materials. The jewelry that started out being woven in banana leaves has changed to nylon thread over time. Leela, a member of the Pala Daya NHG, still continues to have the same skill as a young girl in jewelry making. She also achieved a turnover of Rs. 2 lakhs at the National Saras Mela held in Chengannur during January 2025.

Leela's life changed when she became a member of the NHG in 2013. With this, she paid more attention to the jewelry making field and turned it into a good source of income. She became a regular presence in various marketing fairs organized by Kudumbashree. The full support of her husband Gopalan is also the inspiration for participating in the fairs. Gopalan is also helping Leela to make pearl jewelry. Their venture is also receiving support from Kudumbashree and the Industries Department.

Beautiful puppets, lamps, decorative items made of leather. Chamundeshwari Leather Puppet Unit, the fifth stall from Andhra, is presenting a completely different visual experience to visitors at the National Saras Mela organized by Kudumbashree at Kozhikode Beach.

All these products are made using layers made by spreading leather and drawing pictures on it with a bamboo tip, adding various colors. Another feature of the unit is the wall paintings made based on the stories and characters of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The prices of the products range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 2000.

The unit is owned by Kollavumma from Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh. Her husband Baburao also helps out in all kinds of ways. This profession, which was traditionally handed down to Baburao, is now being done beautifully by her children. The uniqueness, antiquity and grandeur of this family profession, which has a tradition of more than a hundred years, are visible in their products. The Chamundeshwari Leather Puppet Unit is a new experience for keralites who are always looking for something new.

113 youth from the Scheduled Tribe region got jobs in the government and semi-government sectors with the support of Kudumbashree. These people got jobs as part of the competitive exam training organized with the aim of economic and social empowerment of the youth in this region.

Most of the appointments were made to the posts of LD Clerk, Police, Forest Beat Officer etc. All of them have joined the job. In addition, 364 people have been included in various rank lists. This achievement is from 2,893 people who received expert training through Kudumbashree. They have increased their financial stability and confidence to interact with everyone in the society by getting government jobs.

As part of bringing the youth of this region into the mainstream society, intensive PSC competitive exam training was provided under the leadership of Kudumbashree. For this, PSC had organized a one-time registration camp in the districts where they reside. In the first phase, those with a degree and plus two qualifications were included. Later, necessary training was also provided for posts such as Beat Forest Officer. For this, expert faculties in various fields are identified and training is provided through them.
             
Special centres are also functioning under the leadership of the District Mission for training. In addition, training is provided in collaboration with other training centres. The activities are carried out with the support of the respective Kudumbashree CDS.

The Kudumbashree Food Court, set up as part of the National Saras Mela, is creating a paradise of taste in the heart of Kozhikode. Kozhikode, which is famous for its beaches, its cuisine and its diversity of tastes, is hosting for the first time the different dishes from different states of India under one roof. Around 300 varieties from 18 states have reached Kozhikode beach.

The main attraction of the food court is the 50 or so stalls, which are arranged in a way that resembles the old tea shop and resemble a thatched roof. The pillars of each stall have a story to tell. The culture, sights and talents of Kozhikode are recorded on each pillar. The food court is set up in a way that about 600 people can sit and eat at a time. From Rajasthan's special Raj Kachori, Maharashtra's Vadapav, Sikkim's Momos, Attappadi Vanasundari to Odisha's Chicken Pakku Vada, Hyderabadi Dum Biryani are available at the food court.

The indigenous people are those who preserves what the time misses out. To get a closer look at their culture, which has been deeply rooted in the soil of the forest for centuries, just visit stall number four at the Kudumbashree National Saras Mela being held on Kozhikode beach. 'Nanga Angadi' is an exhibition and sale of products and food varieties of indigenous people from various districts of the state. The word 'Nanga Angadi' means our market.

Around 100 products produced by the local communities in the districts of Wayanad, Malappuram, Kasaragod, Kannur, Thrissur, Palakkad (Attappady), Idukki and Pathanamthitta through Kudumbashree will be available at Nanga Angadi. The main attraction of Nanga Angadi is around ten tubers selected from 'Noorang' in Wayanad, where around 180 heritage tuber varieties are cultivated.

Eight different types of rice including Gandhakshala, Thondi, Chomala and Rakthashali from Wayanad, luffa scrub, wild mango pickle, wild honey from the Chola Nayaka sect of Nilambur, Indian frankincense, Aadi Umbrellas from Kannur, coconut oil, handicrafts from Thrissur, mustard from Attappadi, small grains and brooms are available. In addition, there is an exhibition of 230 varieties of rice from Bathagude in Wayanad at Nanga Angadi.

H. Dineshan IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree performed the inauguration of the Nanga Angadi on 3 May 2025. Kudumbashree aims to introduce the culture of the indigenous people, which is alien to the growing generations, to everyone, and to increase the income of the indigenous people through the Nanga Angadi.

Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister, Government of Kerala said that Kudumbashree has become the backbone of local entrepreneurial development and economy. The Chief Minister was speaking at the inauguration of the National Saras Mela organized by Kudumbashree at Kozhikode Beach and the 'Ente Keralam' Exhibition Mela, which is part of the fourth anniversary celebrations of the State Government, at Kozhikode Beach on 3 May 2025.

He pointed out that Kudumbashree is a popular movement with about half a crore women as members and that Rs. 270 crores has been allocated for Kudumbashree in this year's budget. P.A. Muhammed Riyas, Minister for Public Works and Tourism, Government of Kerala presided over the function. A.K. Saseendran, Minister for Forest and Wildlife Conservation, Government of Kerala was the Chief Guest of the function. He said that the Saras Mela is a glimpse of the achievements of the state achieved through Kudumbashree.

The Saras Mela, which is set up on 64,000 square feet on the Kozhikode beach, was packed with people at the product marketing stalls and food court. The fully air conditioned pavilion has about 250 marketing stalls selling various products from rural entrepreneurs in India and the food court has about 50 stalls selling unique food items from 17 states. Entry to the fair, which will last till 13 May 2025, is completely free.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Dr. Beena Philip, Mayor, Kozhikode Corporation, Thottathil Raveendran, MLA, Ahmed Devarkovil, MLA, E.K. Vijayan,  MLA, P.T.A Rahim, MLA, Kunjahammad Kutty Master, MLA, K.M. Sachindev, MLA, Linto Joseph, MLA, Sheeja Sasi, President,  District Panchayat, Kozhikode, Adv. P. Gavas, Vice President, District Panchayath, Kozhikode, C.P. Muzaffar Ahmed, Deputy Mayor, Kozhikode Corporation, 
H. Dineshan IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree, Harshil R. Meena IAS, Sub Collector, T. Narayanan, District Police Commissioner, K.T. Shekhar, Deputy Director, I&PRD, K.K. Lathika, P.K. Zainaba, Executive Members, Kudumbashree Governing Body, C.P. Abdul Karim, District Information Officer, Public Representatives, Political Party Representatives and others participated. Snehil Kumar Singh IAS, District Collector, Kozhikode  welcomed the gathering and  P.C. Kavitha, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kozhikode District Mission proposed the vote of thanks.

Thousands of people participated in the proclamation procession that started from Mananchira ahead of the inauguration ceremony. The procession was led by Kudumbashree members.