The 11th Kudumbashree National Saras Mela, which combines the uniqueness of Indian rural enterprises, culture and art, concluded with a grand finale in Chengannur on 31 January 2025. The people who had flocked to the Saras Mela since the opening day filled the main stage on the closing day. The Saras Mela, which was held over twelve days with product display and marketing, food court, art programmes and a flower festival, concluded with the title of the Most Remarkable Public Fair. V.N. Vasavan, Minister for Co-operation, Ports, and Devaswoms, Government of Kerala inaugurated the closing ceremony. Saji Cherian, Minster for Fisheries and Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala presided over the function.

The question of which is the largest women's organization in Asia has only one answer, Kudumbashree, said  V.N. Vasavan, Minister while inaugurating the closing session of the National Saras Mela. Kudumbashree is able to provide economic prosperity to women by playing a leading role in women's empowerment activities, develop their intellectual capacity, and uphold a rich cultural value by taking it from the kitchen to the stage. The National Saras Mela, which is only held in district headquarters, has been organized in a village like Chengannur in a good manner and has been able to transform Chengannur into the district headquarters due to its organizational excellence.  V.N. Vasavan, Minister also congratulated the Kudumbashree members who made the Saras Mela a great success and  Saji Cherian, Minister who led it in an exemplary manner on behalf of the State Government.

In his presidential address, Saji Cherian, Minister said that a total turnover of more than Rs. 12 crores was achieved through product marketing and the food court at the National Saras Mela. A turnover of Rs. 2 crores was achieved through the food court alone. It is expected that a turnover of Rs. 14 crores will be achieved in the final count after the fair. Chengannur has become a model not only in development and welfare but also in unity. The Chengannur model that made the Saras Mela such a great success can be proudly displayed before the world. The Kudumbashree Fund allocated for organizing the Saras Mela was used for the activities of the food stall and the product display and marketing stall. The Rs. 2.10 crores received from the Kudumbashree members of the district through coupon sales was used for the smooth running of the fair and distribution of prizes. The Finance Department has allocated Rs. 33 crores for the reconstruction of an International Standard Indoor Stadium, including indoor games and a synthetic track. The tender process for this will begin soon. The Minister also said that a state football tournament will be organized at the stadium on April 11.

Tovino Thomas, Film Star who was the Chief Guest at the event, said that the idea of the Saras Mela is very grand and that the Saras Mela, which is jointly organized by the Local Self-Government Department and the Culture Department, is a matter of great pride for the country. He also released the poster of ‘Rasam 2025’ to be held at Chengannur Providence College on 7-8 February 2025. Saji Cherian, Minister presented the souvenir prepared for the Saras Mela to Tovino Thomas.

Saji Cherian, Minister who made the Saras Mela a success through excellent organization, was honored by H. Dineshan, Executive Director, Kudumbashree and  District Mission Co-ordinator, Alappuzha. Saji Cherian, Minister, honored the District Mission Co-ordinator, Alappuzha for his organizational excellence. Saji Cherian, Minister  released the novel ‘Pinneyo’ written by Abraham Mathew to Tovino Thomas. Saji Cherian, Minister presented the audio cover of the film ‘Nalpathuakalile Pranayam’ directed by Ramesh S. Makayiram to  V.N. Vasavan, Minister. Saji Cherian, Minister and Tovino Thomas, Film Actor were presented with portraits of Minister Saji Cherian drawn by painters John Kallakadavu and Philipose Niranam and of Tovino Thomas drawn by Arjun Mavelikkara, Milan K. Shiji Muhammed Yasin, Ani K. Ashok, Shainu Abraham and Moncy.

Saji Cherian, Minister distributed the Awards for the Best Stalls at the Produce Marketing Fair to Noor Jahan from Kozhikode Pavithram Foods Unit, Jayamma from J&S Bag Unit, Shalini (Goa) and Harshatha (Maharashtra) in the other state category, and Sreeraj from Kalpathi Foods for the Best Block Stall.
 
Best Seller (Kerala category) was Venma Thalassery, Best Seller-Other state (Rajasthan), Kashmir, Attappady Vanasundari Stall from the tribal region, and the ‘Lakshya’ group from Ernakulam was also specially honored in the transgender category.

Ranjith S, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Alappuzha District Mission welcomed the gathering. Daleema Jojo, MLA, Thomas K. Thomas, MLA, P. C. Vishnunadh, MLA, U. Pratibha, MLA, A. Mahendran, A. N. Nazir, M. Krishnadas, President, Chamber of Municipal Chairmen, G. Sreekumar, Pushpalatha Madhu, T. J. Angelos, Jacob Thomas Arikupuram, Girish Ilanjimel, T. K. Indrajith, RDO Moby J, M, V. Gopakumar, Grama Panchayat Presidents, A. S. Sreekanth, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree,  G. Vivek,  Suresh M. G., Assistant District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Alappuzha District Mission extended their greetings. James Samuel, Member, Youth Welfare Board delivered the vote of thanks. 

In the morning, a Arts Festival by Kudumbashree Mission employees, African folk dance by artists from Ghana, Africa, and after the closing ceremony, a dance performance by Neena Prasad and a folk song by Praseetha Chalakudy were performed on the stage. The CDSs and various committees of the district who worked behind the success of the Saras Mela were also honored.

The last date for sending entries for the second season of the Kudumbashree Vlog and Reels Competition has been extended till 28 February 2025. Videos on various activities implemented in Kerala through Kudumbashree, the State Poverty Eradication Mission, will be considered for the competition.

The length of the video for the Vlog Competition should not exceed 5 minutes. Those who secure First, Second and Third positions will receive a cash prize of Rs 50,000, Rs 40,000 and Rs 30,000 each, a trophy and a certificate, respectively. The videos should not exceed one minute in length for the Reels competition. Those who secure First, Second and Third positions will receive a cash prize of Rs. 25,000, Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 15,000 each a trophy and a certificate, respectively.

The videos should be sent on a CD or pen drive to the Public Relations Officer, Kudumbashree State Mission, Trida Building, 2nd Floor, Medical College P.O, Thiruvananthapuram 695011. The outer cover superscribed as Vlog, Reels Competition. For terms and conditions, visit: www.kudumbashree.org/vlog-reels2025

On the occasion of National Voters' Day, the voters' pledge was administered at Kudumbashree State District Missions and 1070 CDSs on 25 January 2025.  The CDS Chairperson and CDS Members also participated in the Pledge Ceremony held at the CDSs. H. Dineshan, Executive Director, Kudumbashree, Programme Officers, District Programme Managers, CDS Members and Animators took the oath during the function held at Attappady as part of Kudumbashree Attappady Tribal Comprehensive Development Project.

The date for applying for the Block, District and State Level Award for Excellence in the Kudumbashree three-tier organizational system has been extended. According to this, the last date for individuals, groups, institutions and committees to submit their applications to the District Mission along with ADS and CDS recommendations is 10 February 2025. The last date for completing the CDS-level screening for the NHG, ADS and Ooru Samithi Awards and submitting them to the District Mission is 15 February 2025.

The last date for submitting the reports of the individuals, groups, institutions and committees that have won first place at the District level, the Best Public Relations Activities at the District Level, the Best District Mission and Snehitha Awards to the State Mission is 2 April 2025.

Kudumbashree's Watermelon Farming Campaign has begun to quench the thirst of Keralites this coming summer. Sugar Baby and Kiran, the best watermelon varieties, will be cultivated in the available area on a district basis. The project aims to improve the livelihood of local farmers through modern farming methods and better market availability. Special local markets will be set up in the months of April and May to market watermelon.

H. Dineshan IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree inaugurated the watermelon farming by planting a watermelon sapling at the Pandi Vayal farm in Bevincha Panchayat in Kasaragod district on 13 January 2025.  Khader Badaria, President, Chengala Grama Panchayat presided over the  function. Dr. Shanavas, State Programme Officer explained the project. Shyam Kumar Unnikrishnan, State Programme Officer, Institution Building and Capacity Building and other officials were present. T.T. Surendran, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission welcomed the gathering and  S. Sunitha, Kudumbashree CDS Chairperson delivered  the vote of thanks.

Organized by Kudumbashree, Saras Mela 2025, the National Food and Cultural Expo, offering the best of traditional, ethnic food and artistry was kickstarted at Municipal Stadium, Chengannur on 20 January 2025. M. B. Rajesh, Minister, Local Self-Government  Department, Excise & Parliamentary Affairs Department, Government of Kerala inaugurated the programme.

It is expected that the Saras Mela at Chengannur will break the records of sales and participation of all the 10 Saras Fairs held in the state. About 5,000 entrepreneurs have received Rs. 78 crore from the last ten fairs. Kudumbashree is a great movement of women in Kerala. 46 lakh women are members of Kudumbashree. Kudumbashree has left its indelible mark on every sector of Kerala society. It is undoubtedly true that Kudumbashree has made the slogan of Kerala renaissance from the kitchen to the stage a reality. It was through Kudumbashree that the streaks entered the public arena. The role played by Kudumbashree in empowering women socially, culturally and politically is immeasurable. There is no sector where Kudumbashree does not have a presence.  We can divide Kerala history into two halves, 'Before Kudumbashree and After Kudumbashree'. The Minister said.

Ponnamma, a member of the Haritha Karma Sena of Chengannur Municipality, came to welcome Mohanlal. While the entire Kerala is working together for the goal of a waste-free New Kerala, the Haritha Karma Sena is the one who is most active in it. It sent a big message when a Haritha Karma Sena Member welcomed Mohanlal. The Minister added.

Saji Cherian, Minister for Fisheries, Cultural Affairs and Youth Affairs, Government of Kerala presided over the function. He said that the Saras Mela can be seen as a cross section of the country.  P. Prasad, Minister for Agriculture, Government of Kerala gave the Key Message. He appreciated Kudumbashree for leading such a great fair. 

Padma Bhushan Mohanlal was the Guest of Honor. He said that the gesture of a Haritha Karma Sena member welcoming gives a great message of waste management to the public. He reminded everyone about the need to have a civic sense. The Ministers jointly felicitated Mohanlal at the function and  was presented the Chengannur Peruma Award for the comprehensive contribution to the field of art and culture.

O.S. Unnikrishnan, Chairman, Programme Committee presented the report. H. Salam, MLA, M. S. Arun Kumar, MLA, K.G. Rajeshwari, President, Alappuzha District Panchayat, Alex Varghese IAS, District Collector, Alappuzha, Shobha Varghese, Chairperson, Chengannur Municipality, Shobhana George, Ex. MLA, Chairperson, Oushadhi, M.H, Rasheed Chairman, KSCMMC, K.M. Saleem President, Chengannur Block Panchayat, K.M. Usha, President, Panchayat Presidents Association, Ashok Padipurakkal, Municipal Councilor, Chengannur, S. Sreekala, Chairperson, Chengannur ULB, Antony Perumbavoor were also present at the function. Nila, a robot, greeted the Ministers while welcoming them to the function.

H. Dineshan IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree welcomed the gathering and Ranjith S, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree District Mission Co-ordinator delivered the vote of thanks.

Micro entrepreneurs from 28 states and 8 Union territories across the country are taking part in the programme and 350 stalls are opened. There will be a full presence of 12,130 Kudumbashree units at the fair. The handicrafts that would showcase the heritage and culture of each state, art forms, jewelry, fabrics, utensils etc would be for sale at the Saras Mela. Apart from the sales stalls, 30 food stalls are opened for offering cuisines of different states. Different ethnic cuisines from different states across the country would offer a new experience to the people. The programme strictly follow the green protocol. The Saras Fair is set in an area of 2 lakh sqft.

Daily cultural programmes like Gazal, Folk Songs, Music Programmes, Bamboo Music, Folk Dance, Folk Song, Kalaripayattu, Seethakali, Art Performances by School-College Students, Violin-Chenda Fusion, Comedy Show, Mohiniyattam, Seminars, and dance programmes of BUDS children, Exhibition explaining the history of cinema, Amusement Park, Flower Show, Pet Show, Robotic Show, Book Fair, Open Forum Cultural Meetings etc are also arranged in connection with Saras Mela 2025.  

Following the inaugural session, Musical Night led by famous musician Shri. Stephen Devassy was also held as part of the programme.

The Saras Fairs are organized jointly by the Central- State Governments as part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), where the products of the entrepreneurs across the country are brought together for marketing. Saras Mela 2025 will come to an end on 31 January 2025.

Thiruvananthapuram: M.B. Rajesh, Minister, Local Self-Government Department, Excise & Parliamentary Affairs Department, Government of Kerala addressed the delegates of the International Children's Summit on Zero Waste Management. The Minister said that the Project Reports presented by children in this summit prove what children can do in terms of cleanliness and waste management, and put forward new ideas and new solutions and suggestions. Along with the reports, the models created by the children are also important. The children have not only tried to raise awareness, not only suggest solutions, but also become role models themselves. It is very remarkable that the children are setting examples by reducing the amount of waste in their own homes.

Children are the messengers we can rely on to take the message of not throwing away to every home in Kerala and to every adult. The hope is now in them. All the project reports give that hope. Our children should not only acquire academic knowledge. Beyond that, it is hoped that this summit and the activities that are part of it will help them to understand the problems in the society, analyse them with critical intelligence and develop their skills as those who strive to find solutions to them. We should transform Kerala into a state where no one throws waste on public roads, public places or roads. The Minister added. He also appreciated the activities of the Balasabha members of Kudumbashree who are opening the way.

Kudumbashree's Pioneering International Children's Summit on Zero Waste Management ends with thought provoking Thiruvananthapuram Declaration. Shri. Seeram Sambasiva Rao IAS, Principal Director, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala inaugurated the closing ceremony. He said that the Balasabha members should make efforts to spread the awareness of Zero Waste Management to the public and take this message to each and every household in Kerala through Balasabha.

Awards for presenting commendable Project Reports on Zero Waste Management were given to the Balasabha Members. Sivanandan C. A from Kollam (First Prize), Chandana from Kozhikode (Second Prize), Devananda K from Kannur (Third Prize), Abhinand from Wayanad (Fourth Prize) and Athira Babu from Palakkad(Fifth Prize) received their Awards from Geetha Nazeer , Governing Body Member, Kudumbashree distributed the cash awards, trophies and certificates to the children who made the best presentations in the plenary sessions.

Wayanad bagged the Award for the Best District Stall. Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod bagged the Second and Third Prizes respectively. Mementos were presented to Karan Kumar (New Delhi), Deepanshu (New Delhi), Harikrishnan (Kerala) and Athul Manoj (Kerala), who made presentations representing other states.

H. Dineshan IAS, Executive Director, presided over the function. He said that this programme doesn't end with the summit. He assured that camps will be organized at district level and through them the message of zero waste management will be taken to the general public. He said that Kudumbashree will provide Seed Money to these Balasabha members for implementing their projects with the support of Udhyam Learning Foundation.

Ridhima Pandey, Indian Environmental Activist from Uttarakhand read the' Thiruvananthapuram Declaration', the declaration of the Summit. The Summit recognized improper waste disposal, carbon footprint, social awareness, liquid waste management, electronic waste, water pollution, soil pollution, mosquito breeding as the urgent concerns. The Summit proposed an Action Plan which included the ideas such as inculcating hygiene habits from an early age itself by including hygiene education in the school curriculum, undertaking and implementing extensive social awareness programmes to inculcate hygiene awareness and hygiene habits in the society,  planning and implementing concept formation and action programmes based on the theme of cleanliness to identify and develop the unique talents of each child, ensuring opportunities for child researchers to provide necessary support in policy formulation of the State Government and incorporate the findings and suggestions of the research in the plans of local self-government bodies, formulating and disseminating a Hygiene Code of Conduct under the leadership of children's Grama Sabha and continuously evaluating and ensuring it, conducting community hygiene surveys and digital surveys under the leadership of children in Balasabhas to assess the current situation related to hygiene and create awareness among children and others, introducing a hygiene diary to children to record and self-assess their hygiene-related activities and interventions to address these issues. The summit urged the Central Government to establish a National University of Hygiene based in Kerala to conduct continuous study on waste and its recycling potential.

Mr. Ratheesh Kaliyadan, Educational Expert, presented the report on the summit. Mementos were presented to the Mentors and Faculties who equipped the Balasabha members for the summit and also to the Moderators and Rapporteurs of various sessions. The children who made the poster presentations were also felicitated at the function.

Thiruvananthapuram Corporation's Poster of Swachh Survekshan, the annual survey of cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation in villages, cities and towns across India was also released at the function.

Dr. Abdul Basith, Assistant Professor, Kerala University, John Stanley, Assistant Manager, PIU, Bal Raksha Bharath, Bharath Babulal, Tony Jose, Senior Manager, Udhyam Learning Foundation and Debadrita Sengupta, Manager, Humanitarian, Bal Raksha Bharath became part of the Experts’ Discussion and gave their feedback.

Dr. B Sreejith, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree welcomed the gathering and Ramesh G, District Mission Co-ordinator, Thiruvananthapuram District Mission delivered the vote of thanks.  Syam Kumar, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, Dr. Anchal Krishna Kumar, Public Relations Officer, Kudumbashree, Dr. Shanavas, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree were also present at the function.

Balasabha Members from across the state make noteworthy presentations at the International Children's Summit on Zero Waste Management held at Nishagandhi Auditorium, Kanakakkunnu, Thiruvananthapuram during 18-19 January 2025. The first Plenary Session was held on 18 January 2025, on the topic- Zero Waste Management and Tourism. Rashima Ramesh Snehadhooth Balasabha, Mattanur, Kannur was the Moderator of the session and Ameya P Sunil Changathikoottam Balasabha, Chelembra, Malappuram was the Rapporteur.

Krishnasree M.M, Balyacheppu Balasabha,  Managalapuram, Trivandrum made a presentation on 'Tourism and Waste Management at Vellanikal Paara' whereas Sivanandan C.A, Malarvadi Balasabha, Thenmala, Kollam made the presentation on 'Tourism and Waste Problems in Aryankavu'. 'The Waste Management in Erumely in Sabarimala Season' was the topic presented by Aneeva Satheesh, Pournami Balasabha, Erumely, Kottayam. Whereas 'Garbage Dumped on Roadside in Karumalloor Panchayat' was the topic presented by Safa Khadeeja, Malarvadi Balasabha, Veliyathunad, Ernakulam.Devapriya K.V, Gramasree Balasabha, Noolpuzha, Wayanad made the presentation on 'Muthanga Tourism and its Threat to Wildlife'. Vipin S, Sanitation Expert, Suchitwa Mission and Akhilesh, Project Manager TSU, WASH Institute, Kerala made the Expert Comments on the session. District Wise Parallel Session (1) were held at the 14 District Huts at Kanakakunnu Festival Ground. The presentations were followed by the interactive sessions and the Balasabha members raised their queries and discussed each and every topic in detail.

The second Plenary Session was the 'Experience Sharing of Delegates from Various States'. Licypriya Kangujam, Manipur, Ridhima Pandey, Uttarakhand, Karan Kumar, New Delhi, Deepanshu Kumar, New Delhi and Athul Manoj, Kerala made their presentations during the session. 

The Third Plenary Session was on 'Domestic Waste Management'. Nayana S Nair, Poombatta Balasabha, Kulakkada, Kollam was the Moderator of the session. Meera Gopan, Nakshatra Balasabha, Panmana, Kollam was the Rapporteur. Amrithasree V. Pillai, Noopuram Balasbha,  Ezhumatur, Pathanamthitta made the presentation on the topic 'Cow Rearing and Waste Management in Rural Areas'. Whereas Jeffy Aloysius, Kalikkoodu Balasabha, Cherthala South, Alappuzha made the presentation on 'Domestic Food Waste Management in Ward 20 - Cherthala South Grama Panchayat'. Anavadhya Ratheesh Kilikkonchal Balasabha, Adimali, Idukki made her presentation on 'Waste Management Practices in Machiplavu Life Tower'. The topic presented by  Anamika.C.M, Vrindavan Balasabha, Kaiparamba, Thrissur was 'Household Waste Management in Kaiparamba Panchayat &  Attitude of Family Members. Whereas Jeza.C.H, Malarvadi Balasabha, Pandikkad, Malappuram made a presentation on 'Excellent Pandikkad Project and Haritha Karma Sena'. Dr. Vinod S,  Assistant Professor, KILA, Sreeja K, Training Co-ordinator, KILA, KSWMP gave the Expert Comments on the session.

The fourth Plenary Session was held on 19 January 2025, on the topic-' Zero Pollution of Water Source'.  Parvathy.M.R,Hridhyam Balasabha, Kadukutty, Thrissur was the Moderator and Meera Gopan, Nakshatra Balasabha, Panmana, Kollam was the Rapporteur.   Athira Babu, Punchiri Balasabha, Kizhakkancheri, Palakkad made a presentation on 'Rehabilitation of Water Resources in Kizhakkencherry Panchayat'.  Chandana Chandran, Poombatta Balasabha, Kuttyadi, Kozhikode made her presentation on the topic- 'Well Water Pollution in Kuttiyadi & Domestic Liquid Waste Management Practices'. 'Waste Management Crisis in the Abandoned Wells and Pits of Kolathur Region' was the topic presented by Sandra.S.K, Kilukkam Balasabha, Bedaduka, Kasargod. 'Waste Management Issue in Flood Affected Area in Manjodi Village in Peruvayal Panchayat' was the topic of Chaithra K, Thalir Balasabha, Peruvayal, Kozhikode. Devananda.K, Galileo Balasabha, Kadambur, Kannur made her presentation on the topic-'Kadambur Grama Panchayat & Sanitary Waste Management'. N Jagajeevan, State Co-ordinator, Suchitwa Mission, Sreetha A M, Assistant Executive Engineer, Kerala State Pollution Control Board gave the Expert Comments on the session.

The fifth Plenary Session was on the 'Pollution Caused by Chemical and Fertilizers'. Ameya P Sunil Changathikootam Balasabha, Chelembra, Malappuram was the Moderator and Rashima Ramesh, Snehadhooth Balasabha, Mattanur, Kannur was the Rapporteur.  Fathima Insha P, Surabhi Balasabha, Pandikkad, Malappuram mader her presentation on the topic-'Vehicular Air pollution at Pandikkad Town Junction in Malappuram- Implications and Remedies'. Whereas Devika.S, Tharang Balasabha, Valapattanam, Kannur  made her presentation on 'Sanitation Awareness Among U.P Section Students'. 'E-Waste Management in Aryanad Grama Panchayat' was the topic presented by Annie A Carmel, Deepam Balasabha, Aryanad, Thiruvananthapuram. Anunanda K.A, Punchiri Balasabha, Kodo -Belur, Kasargod made the presentation on 'Polluted Soil and Udayapuram Village. Whereas 'Agricultural Residues and Environmental Issues related to Plantain Cultivation' was the topic presented by Abhinand S Dev, Salabham Balasabha, Vellamunda, Wayanad. Dr. Joy Elamon, Member of Public Health, KSDMA and Jevik V Rayen J, Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Consultant, UNICEF made the Expert Comments.

On both days, District wise Parallel Sessions were held at 14 District Huts at Kanakakunnu Festival Grounds, Thiruvananthapuram.

V Sivankutty, Minister for General Education and Labour, Government of Kerala inaugurated the International Children's Summit on Zero Waste Management at Kanakakunnu, Thiruvananthapuram on 18 January 2025. The Minister also performed the Distribution of Medical Equipment to Santhwanam Volunteers.

This summit is an educational revolution. By integrating action-based learning with formal education, we are raising a generation that is not only environmentally conscious but also equipped to lead sustainable development efforts. The insightful papers and ideas emerging from this summit will be brought to the attention of local government authorities, who will listen to these children’s voices and implement the solutions.The Minister said in his Inaugural Address. 

The Suchithwolsavam Campaign, launched in April 2023, is an inspiring example of how grassroots initiatives can be transformative. With the participation of 3.9 lakh members across 28,387 Balasabhas under Kudumbashree, this initiative has proven the power of collective action. This International Children's Summit on Zero Waste Management is the culmination of this grand campaign that embodies the ideals of community participation, innovation and environmental protection. The primary objective of this summit is not only to discuss waste management but also to inspire young minds in tackling the challenges of waste disposal and recycling. Through activities like paper presentations, plenary, parallel sessions and interaction with international delegates, our children gain invaluable insights, enhance their critical thinking skills and actively contribute to society.The Minister added.

It is commendable that around 750 selected children from across the state are here today to share their innovative ideas and research. The 80 meticulously prepared papers presented by these young environmentalists speak volumes about their dedication, creativity and understanding of real-world issues. Their topics range from waste threats, resource scarcity to education and environmental protection, reflecting their keen awareness and analytical skills. The young members of the Balasabha are indeed a global model for community action, with their unwavering commitment to tackling the challenges of pollution and social progress. They are not only our hope for the future, but also a source of immense pride for our State as well as our Nation. The Minister said.

The Minister also added that by empowering children to take the lead in environmental protection, Kudumbashree is not only transforming societies but also shaping a brighter and more sustainable future and through this summit Kudumbashree has added another golden feather to its glorious cap.

Adv. V.K. Prasanth, MLA, Vattiyoorkavu Constituency presided over the function. Licypriya Kangujam, Indian Climate Activist, World Children's Peace Prize Winner, Manipur  delivered the keynote address. In her speech, she explained about the 'Plastic Money Shop' started by her to reduce plastic pollution. which exchanges single-use plastic bottles for rice or a plant sapling or a stationary item.The mission of that project was to eliminate every single use plastic from our planet and also this initiative also stopped single use plastic waste from reaching the ocean, rivers, seas and landfills. Such initiatives can also be implemented by the Government of Kerala and the local authorities on a large scale.She also said that small actions can make a big difference and have greater impact. She added. She urged the Balasabha members to take an immediate climate action. 

Ridhima Pandey, Indian Environmental Activist from Uttarakhand was also present at the function. Divya S. Iyer IAS, Project Director, Kerala Solid Waste Management Project (KSWMP) felicitated Licypriya Kangujam and Ridhima Pandey.

Kadakampally Surendran, MLA Kazhakuttom Constituency and the Chief Guest of the function released the Books on the Compilation of the Project Reports in Malayalam and English languages prepared by the Balasabha students by handing over the same to  Adv. D. Suresh Kumar, President District Panchayat, Thiruvananthapuram and Ridhima Pandey, Indian Environmental Activist from Uttarakhand respectively.

Dr. C.P. Vinod, Subject Expert presented the outline of the summit. Chandrasekhara N. M, Head, Programme Implementation Unit, South, Bal Raksha Bharat, Mohan Kumar, CEO & Director of Peerless Biotech Limited, Girish Menon, Chairman, Naadam Foundation, Rinu Vargheese, Senior Manager, Udhyam Learning Foundation, Vineetha C, Chairperson, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation CDS 2 were also present at the function. 

H. Dineshan IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree welcomed the gathering and Dr. B. Sreejith Programme Officer, Kudumbashree delivered the vote of thanks. The children from Kudumbashree Balagothra Sabha of Attappady greeted the dignitaries on the dais with the products made by the students of BUDS Schools.

International Children's Summit on Zero Waste Management is being organized as part of the culmination of the  Suchithwolsavam Campaign, which has been organized for the children's council members since April 2023 in connection with the Malinya Muktham Navakeralam Campaign. As part of this, 80 Project Reports prepared by the children are being presented. 20 papers will be presented at the main venue, Nishagandhi Open Auditorium, and the remaining sixty papers will be presented at 14 other venues set up near the main venue. There will be seminars and discussions on various topics at all the venues. The children themselves will be the moderators. The Summit will come to an end on 19 January 2025.