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.

Kudumbashree organized a painting programme at the Napier Museum Radio Mandapam in Thiruvananthapuram on 16 January 2025 ahead of the International Children's Hygiene Summit proposed to be held at Kanakakunnu, Thiruvananthapuram on 18-19 January 2025. H Dineshan IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree inaugurated the programme, in which about 25 painters participated. Dr. B. Sreejith, State Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, Ramesh. G, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram District Mission, Arun P. Rajan, State Programme Manager and Swathi Krishnan. S, State Assistant Programme Manager were also present at the function.

The International Children's Summit on Zero Waste Management is being organized on the occasion of the conclusion of the Suchithwolsavam 2.0, which has been organized since April 2024 for the members of the Kudumbashree Balasabha as part of the 'Malinya Muktham Navakeralam' Campaign.

As part of the Suchithwolsavam 2.0, the children identified problems related to various topics in their area such as environment, waste, development, education, and scarcity of natural resources, and prepared papers by conducting research and study on those problems. Out of the 80 papers prepared in this way, 20 papers will be presented at the main stage in Nishagandhi as part of the summit. The remaining 60 papers will be presented at 14 stages set up in the Nishagandhi Auditorium itself. More than 750 children who are members of the Balasabha will participate in the summit.

The Cafe Kudumbashree Kiosk, which is part of the Central Vista Project, has started operations at the India Gate North, a popular tourist destination in New Delhi, providing traditional food. Steamy puttu, idly and dosa, along with tapioca and fish curry, delicious kozhukatta and pazhampori. Kudumbashree has now provided an opportunity for Kerala food lovers in New Delhi to enjoy all this to their heart's content. In short, those who come to enjoy the variety of food at the food courts set up by Kudumbashree in Delhi as part of the Ajeevika Saras Mela and other events can now enjoy the flavors of Kerala from 'Cafe Kudumbashree' regularly without waiting.

Leena, Ambika and Athira, Kudumbashree members from Neeleshwaram, Kasaragod, are running the Cafe Kudumbashree kiosk here. They, who used to run a catering unit in Kasaragod under the name Salkara, will now serve dishes from this kiosk located near India Gate from 9 AM to 11 PM.

Kudumbashree's training arm AIFRHM (Adebha Institute of Food Research and Hospitality Management) is providing training and support for one month to these entrepreneurs. The food kiosk was inaugurated by Chetan Kumar Meena IAS, Additional Resident Commissioner - Kerala House, New Delhi on 9 January 2025. Muhammed Shan S.S, State Programme Manager Kudumbashree, Shaiju R.S, State Assistant Programme Manager, Ajayan and Sajith,  AIFRHM Representatives were also present at the event. 

The kiosk is currently temporarily closed due to preparations for the Republic Day celebrations. It will resume operations from 27 January 2025.

The 'Kinavu Visual Talent' Project, which is part of the 'Kanas Jaga' Short Film Festival organized by Kudumbashree for indigenous children interested in cinema, has begun to provide expert training to selected children. 102 short films written, directed and acted in by children, who are members of the Balasabha, from 10 areas which implements Special Projects in the local area through Kudumbashree, were screened at the 'Kanas Jaga' Film Festival organized in Ernakulam during October 2024.

It was informed from the Office of Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala that the children who are part of the festival will be provided with expert training in the field of cinema. Following this, a project to provide expert training to children at the K. R. Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts in Kottayam was started through SIET (State Institute of Educational Technology) under the Department of General Education.

100 Indigenous Children are being provided expert training in the fields of pre-production, production and post-production. The training of the first batch was organized from 10 to 12 January 2025.  A total of 28 children from Kasaragod, Kannur, Attappady, Wayanad, Idukki and Pathanamthitta areas have completed the training. The training of the second and third batches will be conducted in the coming days.

The 'Kanas Jaga' or Dream Place project was organized for children as part of the Special Projects implemented in the indigenous areas through Kudumbashree, namely Koraga Special Project in Kasaragod district, Aralam Special Project in Kannur, Thirunelly and Noolpuzha Special Projects in Wayanad district, Nilambur Special Project in Malappuram, Attappady Special Project and Parambikulam Special Project in Palakkad, Kadar Special Project in Thrissur, Marayoor and Kanthalloor Special Project in Idukki, and Malaipandara Special Project in Pathanamthitta. The project aims to make children in the indigenous areas excel in various fields according to their aptitude. As part of this programme, the children who received training identified their area, its problems, and ways to solve them, and based on this, they prepared short films.

The registration process of entrepreneurs from 22 states to be a part of the National Saras Mela organized by Kudumbashree in Chengannur, Alappuzha district has been completed online. The fair will be held from 18 to 31 January 2025 at the Chengannur Municipal Stadium, Alappuzha. The official inauguration will be held on 20 January 2025. Entry to the fair is free.

The fair will feature 250 marketing stalls offering a wide range of products from rural entrepreneurs from various states of India. The construction of the stalls at the stadium has been completed. Reception counters will be set up at Chengannur Railway Station under the leadership of the organizing committee for those coming from other states. Accommodation facilities have also been prepared for them.

A group song will be organized in conjunction with the extensive announcement procession to be organized on 18 January 2025, in which 1500 Kudumbashree members will be a part. The Group Song will start when the announcement processions from Chengannur Government ITI Junction and Vellavur Junction will conclude at the stadium. Three songs, including the Kudumbashree Mudrageetham will be sung as part of the group song. Members from all the CDSs in the district will also participate in the Group song.

The Kudumbashree 'Angadi' Product Marketing-Food Fair is progressing at the Putharikandam Maidan of Thiruvananthapuram, providing various quality products, delicacies and food items produced by entrepreneurs who are members of Kudumbashree NHGs within the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation limits. The fair, which started on 10 January 2025, will continue till 16 January 2025. Entry to the fair is free.

The Kudumbashree 'Angadi' Fair is part of the Sanjha Utsav organized by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs across India in cities selected for the implementation of the second phase of the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) project on a pilot basis. Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi Corporations in Kerala have been selected to implement NULM 2.0 on a pilot basis. The Angadi Mela organized by Kochi Corporation during December 2024 was a huge hit.

The fair has 50 Exhibition & Marketing Stalls selling various products such as mural paintings, terracotta ornaments, health nutrimixes and textiles, and a food court with 20 stalls serving delicious food. In addition, art and cultural programmes, public meetings, discussions, and video screenings on the progress of the project are being organized as part of the fair. Arya Rajendran, Mayor, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation inaugurated the fair at a function organized on 10 January 2025. Megha Mary Koshy, State Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, Cleanus Rosario, Chairman, Municipal Welfare Standing Committee and other public representatives and officials were part of the inaugural ceremony.

The NULM project, aimed at urban poverty eradication, has been jointly implemented in Kerala by the Central and State Governments since 2015. Kudumbashree, the nodal agency in Kerala, has also won several National Recognitions for its excellent project work.

Wayanad district retained the title in the two-day Thillana Kudumbashree BUDS State Arts Festival organized at the Sree Narayana Guru Cultural Complex, Kollam during 9-10 January 2025. When all 22 events were completed, Wayanad emerged champions, leaving their rivals far behind with 47 points. Thrissur district came in second place with 27 points and Thiruvananthapuram district came in third place with 25 points.

J. Chinchurani, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, Government of Kerala inaugurated the Valedictory Function organized on 10 January 2025, distributed overall trophies and cash prizes to Wayanad, Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram districts and distributed prizes to the winners of other competitions. Wayanad district, the first place winners received a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakhs. Thrissur district won a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakhs and Thiruvananthapuram won a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakhs.

The BUDS Arts Festival has become one of the most popular Arts Festivals in India. These Arts Festivals proclaim the lessons of social goodness and equality. Although there were doubts in the beginning whether the BUDS Arts Festival would be successful, all those doubts have been dispelled, and the BUDS Arts Festival, which is being organized on a grand scale, has now gained the importance of the State School Arts Festivals. The Minister also said that the BUDS Arts Festival has been able to make children facing intellectual challenges stand out in front of the society.

Dr. P.K. Gopan, President, Kollam District Panchayat presided over the function. N. Devidas IAS. District Collector, Kollam  Mr.  was the Chief Guest of the function.

District Level Arts Festivals were organized for more than 13000 children from 378 BUDS Institutions including 212 BUDS Rehabilitation Centres and 166 BUDS Schools run by Kudumbashree in collaboration with Local Self-Government Institutions for children facing intellectual challenges. More than 450 trainees who became winners in these District Level Arts Festivals were part of the Thillana State BUDS Arts Festival held on 9-10 January 2025.

M.B. Rajesh, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Excise Department and Parliamentary Affairs Department, Government of Kerala inaugurated the 'Thillana', the State Level BUDS Festival held at the 5 venues named 'Manju', 'Rangam', 'Sukrutham', 'Kadavu', 'Kaliveedu', which have been named after the works of  Late. M. T. Vasudevan Nair, the famous writer as a tribute to him, on 9 January 2025.

Sreeja Hareesh, Vice President, Kollam District Panchayath, U. Pavithra, Chairperson, Development Standing Committee, Kollam  District Panchayath, K. S Bindu, Director (A&F), Kudumbashree, Dr. Anchal Krishna Kumar, Public Relations Officer, Kudumbashree, Dr. B Sreejith, State Programme Officer, Arun P. Rajan, State Programme Manager, District Mission Co-ordinators and Assistant District Mission Co-ordinators of various districts and various CDS Chairpersons of Kollam district attended the function. Vimal Chandran, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kollam District Mission welcomed the gathering and Aneesa. A, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kollam District Mission delivered the vote of thanks.

Thiruvananthapuram bagged the Award for Stalls & Chavara BRC Bagged the Award in Reels Competition

In the stalls displaying products produced by BUDS Institutions in connection with the Arts Festival, Thiruvananthapuram district came first. Pathanamthitta district came in the Second place and Idukki district came in the third place. The Awards were distributed by Dr. P. K. Gopan, President, Kollam District Panchayat . The District Collector presented a cash prize of Rs. 5000 to Chavara BRC, which came first in the Reels Competition organized in connection with the festival. The second place went to Shermi Sebastian, a NHG member from Neendakara, and Ummakulsu, her daughter and Balasabha member.

The police, fire force, and the Punartham Kudumbashree unit, which prepared the food, and others who supported the festival were honored at the ceremony.

M.B. Rajesh, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Excise Department and Parliamentary Affairs Department, Government of Kerala inaugurated the 'Thillana', the State Level BUDS Festival at Sree Narayana Guru Cultural Complex, Kollam on 9 January 2025. Prasanna Ernst, Mayor, Kollam Corporation presided over the function. K.N. Balagopal, Minister, Finance Department, Government of Kerala delivered the keynote address. 

On inaugurating the State Level BUDS Festival, the LSGD Minister said that the State BUDS Festival, which started in 2017, has today become one of the most notable annual events of Kudumbashree. 450 artists participate in the State BUDS Festival. It is reaching an importance similar to the State School Youth Festival. There is something that motivated the Government to organize this Festival. It was decided to organize this festival with the intention of marking in front of our society that children belonging to the differently abled category are creative in many ways, just like others. It is believed that this art festival, with the energy it provides, can instil confidence in overcoming all limitations and moving forward in life. The experience of 7 years since 2017 shows that the art festival has been very successful and has good participation. All this preparation has helped strengthen the aspirations of children belonging to the differently-abled category, as the Government intended. The Minister said.  The Minister also said that Kudumbashree is organizing the festival in a very exemplary and impeccable manner and he specially congratulated Kudumbashree for the same. 

A Government Order has been issued that only products made by the children of BUDS Schools or books should be given as gifts to those who come as guests in the programmes of the Local Self-Government Department. This indicates the interest of the Government in BUDS Institutions. Kudumbashree has intervened and provided vehicles to 97 BUDS Institutions. The Chief Minister himself is evaluating such matters and giving guidelines. The Government will make every effort to provide better facilities. The Minister said.

There are 378 BUDS Institutions in Kerala- 212 BUDS Rehabilitation Centres and 166 BUDS Schools. A total of 13,081 people are receiving training in those 378 Institutions. Apart from this, the Government and Kudumbashree are jointly implementing many activities to uplift and develop them. More than 200 BUDS Institutions have been set up to provide livelihood facilities. Various products like pens, notepads, notebooks, etc. are being manufactured there. Kudumbashree itself is making efforts to create a market for these products. These products are available in all Kudumbashree stalls. There is a Kudumbashree stall at the Kozhikode International Airport. We can see these BUDS products there as well. 

The interventions made by Kudumbashree in this field are exemplary. Kudumbashree is an unparalleled model in Kerala. Kudumbashree has become a shining example of stress empowerment in front of the world. At the same time, the indelible mark of Kudumbashree can be seen in every subtle sphere of Kerala life. That is what we can see in the case of BUDS Institutions as well. The Minister added.

K.N. Balagopal, Minister, Finance Department, Government of Kerala felicitated Aju V.J, Student, Thirunelly BUDS Paradise Special School, Wayanad and Sruthi Sandra S, Member, Ambady Balasabha, Paravur Municipality, Kollam who bagged the Ujjvala Balyam Award, constituted by the Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Kerala to encourage children who demonstrate exceptional talent in different fields. 

Dr. P.K. Gopan, President, Kollam District Panchayat inaugurated the exhibition and marketing stall of the products made by the BUDS students. M. Naushad, M.L.A. Eravipuram Constituency released the souvenir of the festival by handing over the same to K.N. Balagopal, Minister, Finance Department, Government of Kerala.

M. Mukesh, MLA, Kollam Constituency welcomed the gathering. H Dineshan IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree explained the project. Vimal Chandran R, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kollam District Mission delivered the vote of thanks. 

The programme started with 'Thakadhimi', the dance performance by teachers of BUDS Institutions in Kollam district. Geetha Kumari, Chairperson, Development Affairs Standing Committee, Kollam Corporation, S. Jayan, Chairman, Welfare Affairs Standing Committee, Kollam Corporation), Adv. A.K. Savad, Chairman, Tax Appeal Standing Committee, Kollam Corporation, Honey Benjamin, Councilor, Vadakkumbhagam Division, Dr. V. Sreejith, State Programme Officer, Social Development, Sujatha Rathikumar, Chairperson, Kollam CDS & Sindhu Vijayan, Chairperson Kollam East CDS were also present at the function. 

J. Chinchurani, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, Government of Kerala will inaugurate the valedictory function proposed to be held on 10 January 2025 at 3.30 PM. The Minister will also give the awards to the winners. 

Currently, there are 378 BUDS Institutions operating across the state, including 166 BUDS Schools and 212 BUDS Rehabilitation Centres. BUDs Institutions are functioning in association with local self-government bodies. Through these Institutions, Kudumbashree supports 13,081 trainees  in their daily life, rehabilitation and vocational training. Along with the Rehabilitation Council of India Registration, the services of specially qualified teachers for the education and training of differently-abled persons are also made available here.

'Thillana' State BUDS Festival
More than 450 BUDS Students are participating in 'Thillana', the State BUDS Festival. There are 5 venues named 'Manju', 'Rangam', 'Sukrutham', 'Kadavu', 'Kaliveedu'. The State BUDS Festival venues have been named after the works of  Late. M. T. Vasudevan Nair, the famous writer as a tribute to him. 

A total of 22 competitions are taking place in these venues in Junior and Senior Categories.  On the first day Junior Category Folk Dance (Girls, Boys), Junior, Senior Category  Mimicry, Light Music, Folk Song Competitions, Fancy Dress, Instrumental Music (Chenda), Crayon Painting, Emboss Painting, Oppana and Band Music Competitions were held on the first day of the festival.  

On the second day of the festival Senior Category Folk Dance (Girls & Boys), Senior, Junior Category Recitation, Group Dance, Key Board, Work Experience (Paper Craft), Pencil Drawing Competitions will be held. There are live telecasts from two venues through the official Facebook & YouTube Page of Kudumbashree.