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.

The first day of the 'Thillana' State BUDS Festival belonged to Sreelakshmi and Arjun. The success achieved by these two 'buds', who fought against the condition of Cerebral Palsy, is immeasurable.

Sreelakshmi Bineesh, who has been training at BUDS Paradise Special School in Thirunelly, Wayanad for five years, won the victory with her brilliant dance moves in Folk Dance in Junior Girls Category. Another special feature is that Sreelakshmi, who was unable to walk due to Cerebral Palsy, started walking and dancing well only after joining BUDS School after doing physiotherapy. Sreelakshmi, daughter of Bineesh and Anitha of Edayurkunnu Kunnuvila Family of Thirunelly won the Junior 'Kalathilakam' Title in the District Level BUDS Festival of Wayanad.

Arjun, a native of Palakkad Sreekrishnapuram, is the State-Level Winner for the Second Consecutive year in the Junior Category Boys' Mimicry. It is with the help of Ramya teacher from Mannambatta Snehalayam BRC, Arjun imitated the sounds of Pullorkudam (a music instrument made from clay, resembling a pot), train and various animals. Arjun will also participate in the Poetry Recitation Competition. He the son of Usha Devi and Radhakrishnan from Chingathu Sivalayam.

In order to streamline the Internal Auditing Activities in the Kudumbashree Organizational Structure, a CDS Level Training Programme has been initiated for ADS Internal Auditors under 11 Kudumbashree Urban CDSs. The training is being conducted in 11 CDSs selected for the Chalanam Mentorship Programme. The Chalanam Mentorship Programme has been started with the aim of improving the organizational structure of urban Kudumbashree CDSs and transforming CDSs into Centres of Excellence.

A four-day training was organized at the State Level from 27 to 30 December 2024 for two internal auditors each from 11 CDSs. The CDS Auditors who participated in this training, the KAASS team members who prepared the training manual and the Mentor Core Group (MCG) are providing the Three-Day Training to the ADS Auditors in the CDSs.

Kanhangad Municipality of Kasaragod district started the CDS level training in CDS 2 on 6 January 2025. The training in Parappanangadi CDS was started on 7 January 2025. The training calendar for the remaining CDSs of Mukkam, Mananthavady 1, Kattappana 2, Punalur, Haripad, Changanassery, Thiruvalla West, Cherpulassery and Koothuparamba has been prepared. The training will be completed in all the CDSs by 18 January 2025. Once this training for ADSs is completed, Internal Audit will be started in these 11 CDSs and all the ADSs within the CDS limits.

The external auditing activities of the Kudumbashree organizational system are being carried out by the KAASS (Kudumbashree Accounts and Audit Service Society) team members, who are the NHG members of Kudumbashree. It is with the help of this team and the Chalanam MCG team, the State Mission has started interventions to strengthen internal auditing in the organizational system.

As part of the Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam Campaign, a Kudumbashree survey has been launched to ensure the efficiency of bio-waste disposal facilities. Mr. M.B. Rajesh, Minister, Local Self-Government, Excise and Parliamentary Affairs Department, Government of Kerala performed the State Level Inauguration of the survey at his residence in Kodambath, Palakkad on 6 January 2025. The Minister also said that a completely Waste-Free New Kerala will be declared on 30 March 2025, the International Zero Waste Day.

The survey will be conducted from 6 to 12 January 2025. The survey team consists of a Haritha Karma Sena member, Kudumbashree CDS or ADS or Auxiliary Group representatives. The survey is being conducted using the Haritha Mithram Mobile Application. The survey aims to assess the availability of bio-waste treatment facilities, ensure the availability of inoculum (composting tonic) for operating bio-bins, and extend the services of Haritha Karma Sena to all households and institutions. The district-level inauguration of the survey was also organized on 6 January 2025 in the presence of Ministers, MLAs, MPs and other prominent personalities. Around 35,000 Haritha Karma Sena members will be a part of this survey across the state.

The construction of the Main Pavilion of the National Saras Mela organized by Kudumbashree proposed to be held in Chengannur of Alappuzha district from 20 to 31 January 2025 was inaugurated on 4 January 2025. Mr. H. Dineshan IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree inaugurated the construction of the main pavilion.  A 1.5 lakh square feet, fully air-conditioned pavilion is being prepared for the Saras Mela. It will have the main stage, 350 product marketing stalls and 30 food stalls.

The fair, which will provide a variety of products and unique food dishes from entrepreneurs from various states of India, will also feature cultural programmes every day. Entry to the Saras Fair is free. A proclamation procession will also be organized with the participation of a large number of people on 18 January 2025.

The Pavilion Construction Ceremony organized at the Municipal Stadium was presided over by Mr. M.H. Rasheed, Chairman, Kerala Coir Machinery Manufacturing Company. Mr. Ranjith S, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Alappuzha District Mission welcomed the gathering. Rev. Kuriakose Mar Gregorius Thirumeni, Kandarar Mohanar, Sabarimala Thanthri, and Al Ustad Naufal Falili Kollam delivered speeches.

Mr. G.Vivek, Convener, Publicity Committee, Ms. Sreekala, Chairperson, Chengannur Municipality CDS, Mr. Sreekanth A.S, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, Various Sub Committee Chairmen, Conveners, Members, and Public Representatives participated in the programme.

The Ujjwala Balyam Award, given by the Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Kerala to encourage children who demonstrate exceptional talent in different fields, was awarded to a student of Kudumbashree BUDS School and 3 Balasabha Members. Aju V.J, Student, Thirunelly BUDS Paradise Special School, Wayanad, Havena Binu, Member, Madhuram Balasabha, Kondazhy Thrissur, Jefy Alocious, Member, Kilikood Balasabha, Cherthala South, Alappuzha, Sruthi Sandra S, Member, Ambady Balasabha, Paravoor Municipality, Kollam are the winners of the Award. The children who have shown excellence in various fields such as art, sports, literature, science, and environmental protection were selected for the award.

The prize coupon sale as part of the National Saras Mela organized by Kudumbashree in Chengannur, Alappuzha district, which provides various products and unique resources from rural entrepreneurs across India, has begun. Prizes including cars, two-wheelers and gold coins await the winners. The prize coupon sale was inaugurated by Mr. Saji Cherian, Minster for Fisheries, Youth Affairs and Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala  on 2 January 2025. Ms. Shobha Varghese, Chairperson, Chengannur Municipality received the tickets. Kudumbashree Alappuzha District Mission is responsible for the draw.

The Reception Committee Office of the National Saras Mela organized by Kudumbashree proposed to be held in Chengannur, Alappuzha was inaugurated by Mr. Saji Cherian, Minster for Fisheries, Youth Affairs and Cultural affairs, Government of Kerala on 2 January 2025. The Reception Committee Office is located at the Relief LP School Ground near the Chengannur KSRTC Bus Stand.

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Ms. Shobha Varghese, Chairperson, Chengannur Municipality. Mr. O.S. Unnikrishnan, Chairman, Folklore Academy, Mr. M.H. Rasheed, Chairman, KCMMC, Mr. M. Sasikumar, Chairman, Taluk Circle Cooperative Union, Ms. Valsala Mohan, Ms. Hemalatha Mohan, Mr. G. Vivek, Mr, Anil P. Sreerangam, District Panchayath Members and Mr.  S. Ranjith,  District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Alappuzha District Mission spoke at the function.

A State Level Workshop was organized as part of the Kudumbashree RISE (Revitalizing Institution and Strengthening Excellence) campaign aimed at strengthening the organizational structure by improving the operational efficiency and transparency of Kudumbashree CDSs. The campaign aims to strengthen the three-tier organizational structure as a whole by improving the operational efficiency and transparency of all 1070 CDSs under Kudumbashree.

As part of the campaign activities, a large-scale monitoring system is being prepared to monitor the entire activities of Kudumbashree CDS and thereby strengthen the system. A workshop to finalize this monitoring system was organized at the Kudumbashree State Mission Office on 4 January 2025. Kudumbashree Mission officials and employees assigned to enhance the operational efficiency of CDSs under the name 'My CDS' are co-ordinating various activities as part of the campaign.