The logo of the ‘Communicore’ project implemented by Kudumbashree with the aim of increasing the English language proficiency of children in the local area was released by H. Dineshan IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree on 3 February 2025. Through the Communicore Project, Kudumbashree has envisioned to pave the way for the indigenous people to advance in new job sectors and higher education sectors by increasing their skills in English, the global language.

The project is being implemented in areas where the Scheduled Tribes Special Scheme or the Scheduled Tribes Sustainable Development Project is being implemented under the leadership of Kudumbashree. Malayalam language exists as a second language in the indigenous area. In addition to this, the community in this area faces difficulties in understanding the English language. This naturally leads to a decrease in the representation of the indigenous population in the higher education sector and the employment sector. Kudumbashree will make efforts to find a solution to this problem through Communicore.

Dr. B.Sreejith, State Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, Prabhakaran M. Melath, Arun P. Rajan,  State Programme Managers, Sarika. S, Jishnu Gopan, State Assistant Programme Managers, Arjun Pratap, OSS  also participated in the logo launch ceremony organized at the Kudumbashree State Mission Office.

The fourth phase of Kudumbashree’s agricultural entrepreneurship training series ‘Punarjeevanam’, aimed at increasing livelihood opportunities in the agricultural sector, has begun in Attappady. Kudumbashree is conducting the ‘Punarjeevanam’ training series in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research- Central Tuber Research Institute (ICAR-CTRI).

In the second phase of the project in Attappady, 40 selected farmers from Agali, Puthur, Kurumba and Sholayur Panchayat Samiti were provided with planting material and organic fertilizers for sweet potato cultivation. In the third phase, the harvesting of this sweet potato crop is also underway. The fourth phase was organized along with this. In this phase, a kit containing one ton of yam planting material, knapsack sprayers, various types of slicers, biological pest control products, agricultural equipment and various value-added products was distributed to 40 farmers.

H. Dineshan IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree inaugurated the fourth phase by distributing these materials to the farmers at a function organized at Agali, Attappady on 25 January 2025. Dr. Shanavas. S, State Programme Officer (Farm Livelihood), Kudumbashree explained the Punarjeevanam Project. Dr. M.S. Sajeev, Principal Scientist, Central Tuber Crops Research Centre and Syam K.U, State Programme Officer (IBCB), Kudumbashree extended their greetings. B.S. Manoj, Assistant Project Officer, Attappady Special Project welcomed the gathering and Akhil Soman, Co-ordinator, Farm Livelihood Section, Attappady Special Project proposed the vote of thanks.

Dr. Suresh, Dr. C. Pradeepika and Dr. Sangeetha, Scientists from the Central Tuber Research Centre also gave classes on Biological Pest Control Methods. Around 300 people including Attappady Project team members, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinators, various Panchayat Samiti Office Bearers, CDS Chairpersons, farmers and Kudumbashree employees participated in the programme.

The Punarjeevanam Project in various phases has been designed in a way that fulfills the requirement of various facilities required for farming and value addition of products at each phase. The first phase of the Punarjeevanam project focusing on taro varieties was also organized in Kollam.

In this era when we have to witness the closure of some organizations with increasing age, the relevance of the Kudumbashree movement, which is entering its third decade, is increasing, Sarada Muraleedharan, Chief Secretary. She was speaking after inaugurating the Plan Formulation and Audit Workshop 'Spandanam 2025' organized at the  Grama Panchayat Association Hall, Vellayambalam on 3 February 2025 on the occasion of the completion of twenty years of Kudumbashree's authorized auditing enterprise, Kudumbashree Accounting and Auditing Service Society - KAASS. H. Dineshan, Executive Director, Kudumbashree presided over the function.

Kudumbashree has played a crucial role in poverty eradication and women empowerment in Kerala. Kudumbashree's success lies in moving forward with determination by creating equal justice and opportunity. The role of Kudumbashree Accounting and Audit Service Society in ensuring financial transparency and accuracy is commendable. She said The Chief Secretary also said that we need to move forward for comprehensive empowerment in all sectors including economic, social and political spheres and that Kudumbashree's innovative projects and initiatives can help in this regard. Sarada Muraleedharan also released a book documenting the Twenty-Year History of the KAASS team.

Naveen C, Program Officer, Kudumbashree, welcomed the gathering. Sonia James, Secretary, KAASS State Coordination Committee presented the report. N. Jagajeevan, Consultant, Suchitwa Mission delivered the keynote address. Vineetha P, Chairperson, Corporation CDS-2, Anchal Krishnakumar, Public Relations Officer, Kudumbashree, Ramesh G, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram District Mission, Anish Kumar M.S, State Programme Manager distributed copies of the commendation certificates received by the KAASS team, who won the National Spark Ranking Award, to all the district teams. Syam Kumar Unnikrishnan, Programme Officer delivered the felicitation. Mini D.S, President, KAASS State Co-ordination Committee proposed the vote of thanks. Then, IMG Faculty, the former Senior Deputy Director gave a presentation on the topic of ‘Audit and Reporting’, Action Plan Formulation and District Level Presentation. There were also artistic performances by the KAASS team members.

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.