Two Kudumbashree women have participated in the Mahila Anna Swaraj Convention held at at Vishwa Yuva Kendra, Delhi from 7 April 2022 to 9 April 2022. Smt. Bindu. B from Kollam district of Kerala and Smt. Bindu Koshy from Pathanamthitta district of Kerala are the two women who participated in the Mahila Anna Swaraj Convention as per the invitation of Smt. Vandana Shiva, environmental activist. The Convention was held under the leadership of the NGO- Navdanya.

Smt. Bindu. B, hailing from the Kadakkal Grama Panchayath of Kollam district and Smt. Bindu Koshy hailing from Malayalapuzha Grama Panchayath of Pathanamthitta district are members of Kudumbashree Farming Groups (JLG-Joint Liability Group). Also, both of them are successfully running the Jaivika Plant Nursery of Kudumbashree. They were able to share their ideas with the other delegates who came from different states of the country. After taking part in the convention, they had also taken part in preparing a Women's Manifesto on Biodiversity Conservation, Sustainable Agriculture and Healthy Food Systems.

Kudumbashree had bagged the award for the Best Food Court at 'Ente Keralam' Mega Exhibition Sales Mela held at Thekkinkadu Ground, Thrissur in connection with the First Anniversary Celebrations of the State Government. Also, Sreelakshmi Handloom, a Kudumbashree enterprise unit under Thiruvilwamala CDS, had bagged the Award for the Best Commercial Stall.

The Exhibition Sales Mela was held from 18 April 2022 to 24 April 2022. 9 Kudumbashree Cafe units became part of the food court. Various food items such as panipuri, bhelpuri, masala puri, dosa, appam, chapati, ney pathiri etc were served through these food courts. Sales of Rs 10.55 lakhs were recorded from the food court. Products of 22 Kudumbashree units were arranged in 14 product sales stalls. Sales of Rs 12.23 lakhs were recorded from these sales stalls.

A cookery competition was also organized for Kudumbashree members for the promotion of the mela. The contestants were asked to make 7 different cuisines. Those who bagged first prize in the competitions at all the 16 blocks had taken part in the district level competitions held at the exhibition sales mela venue from 19 April 2022.

Shri. K. Rajan, Minister for Revenue and Housing Government of Kerala and Shri. K. Radhakrishnan, Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes and Devaswoms, Government of Kerala gave away the awards to the winners.

List of the winners of the Cookery Competitions

1.Juice/Shake

First Prize-Sunitha Sajayan (Kadukutty)

Second Prize- Muneera (Orumanayur)

Third Prize- Biji Lajeesh (Kunnamkulam)

2.Payasam

First Prize- Shobha Haridas (Punnayurkulam)

Second Prize-Jimy Joby (Kadavallur)

Third Prize-Sherly Shaju (Kodakara)

3. Traditional Food item

First Prize- Deepa Dineshan (Perinjanam)

Second Prize- Roly Jose (Chazhoor)

Third Prize-Jiji Unnikrishnan (Punnayur)

4.Squash/Jam/Jelly

First Prize- Bindu Prabhakaran (Elavally)

Second Prize- Shruthi T.S (Mattathur)

Third Prize- Bindu (Mulagunnathukavu)

5. Cake

First Prize- Saranya Babu (Perinjanam)

Second Prize- Saranya (Guruvayoor)

Third Prize- Swetha (Avinissery)

6. Puttu/Dosa

First Prize- Sheela Sivaraman (Thrissur Corporation)

Second Prize- Radhika Manoj (Irinjalakuda)

Third Prize- Subaida K.A (Chazhoor)

7. Bakery Item

First Prize- Saritha N.S (Venkitangu)

Second Prize- Nitty Sathyajith (Puthukkad)

Third Prize- Rosily (Thiruvilwamala)

Kudumbashree is about to become part of the efforts to identify job seekers and give guidance. The job seekers include those who are not getting good job openings even though they have good educational qualification, the educated who lost their job in the crisis of covid-19 pandemic, women who had to take break from their jobs due to various reasons etc. Kudumbashree would become part of the efforts of the Kerala Government to support and guide these people.

Kudumbashree is becoming part of the activities of the Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission. The Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission (KKEM) aims to provide employment to the educated by transforming the State of Kerala into a Knowledge Society, which will produce, consume and transact knowledge for its own social and economic development. Kudumbashree will implement the 'My Job My Pride' Campaign which is proposed to be organized from 8 May 2022 to 15 May 2022 for the publicity of the Mission, under the leadership of the Local Self Government Institutions and the largest Job Survey in the state which is included campaign. As part of the survey, details of the educated jobless, who are between 18 and 59 years of age will be collected. The data will be collected through the mobile application- Jalakam.

Kudumbashree is arranging around one lakh volunteers to visit all the houses. The 1070 Community Ambassadors selected through Kudumbashree will coordinate these activities in the CDS level. The training activities for these Community Ambassadors is progressing now. As part of the campaign, awareness will be given to the public about the activities of the Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission. Also the details of the educated jobless candidates will be collected and help them to get enrolled in Digital Workforce Management System (DWMS).

A total sale of more than Rs. 12 crores was recorded from the 12 day long National SARAS Mela organized at Kanakakunnu Palace Ground, Thiruvananthapuram under the leadership of Kudumbashree. Kudumbashree was able to make a sales of Rs. 12,21,24,973 in the SARAS Mela, where various products of the rural entrepreneurs across the country and the delicious cuisines from other states were brought for sale. The public had wholeheartedly welcomed the SARAS Mela 2022. The SARAS Mela held at Thiruvananthapuram had made record sales, out of the SARAS Melas organized under the leadership of Kudumbashree, till now. 

The SARAS Mela 2022 was held from 30 March to 10 April 2022. Various products such as jewelry, fabrics, leather etc. were arranged at 237 stalls for exhibition and sale. A food court comprising of 25 food stalls were opened for offering indigenous cuisines of 15 states. The food court and the daily cultural programmes organized in connection with the SARAS Mela has really attracted the public. Sales of Rs. 11,38,87,543 was recorded from the product exhibition- sales stalls itself. Sales of Rs. 82,37,520 were recorded from the Food Court. It is for the seventh time, SARAS Mela was organized under the leadership of Kudumbashree.

Sales of Rs. 3.98 crores were recorded through the Vishu Markets of Kudumbashree organized across the state. Ernakulam district came first by making a sales of Rs. 63 lakhs, Whereas Kasaragod district and Thrissur district came in the second and third places by making sales of Rs. 41 lakhs and Rs. 40 lakhs respectively. The products of Kudumbashree entrepreneurs and Kudumbashree Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) were brought under one roof through the Vishu Markets of Kudumbashree.

A total of 956 Vishu Markets were organized across the state for a minimum of three days from 10 April 2022 to the Vishu Day, 15 April 2022. The flour, curry powders, chips etc produced by 15,889 enterprises and different kinds of vegetables produced by the 14,358 JLGs were arranged through the Vishu Markets. Ernakulam district organized the maximum number of Vishu Markets. They were able to organize 101 Vishu Markets. In addition to the CDS level Vishu Markets, Ernakulam, Kasaragod and Kottayam districts had organized District Level Vishu Markets as well.

Young Entrepreneurs from Aryad Block of Alappuzha district launched fresh milk and egg in Kudumbashree brand. Shri. P. P Chitharanjan, MLA, Alappuzha Constituency launched the fresh milk and egg in Kudumbashree brand. Shri. T. V Ajith Kumar, President, Grama Panchayath presided over the function. Aryad is one among the 28 blocks in the state in which special activities are implemented after being selected by Kudumbashree as the Intensive Block in Animal Husbandry sector for 2021-22.

Men and women from Aryad block who belong to Kudumbashree families were extended training in the Livestock Entrepreneurship Development Project (LEDP). It is after completing that training, this enterprise was started and 19 members are part of this enterprise. The products are now available in Aryad Panchayath limits only. The requirement for the products could be informed at the CDS office. Kudumbashree directly buy these products from the NHG members who produce milk and egg and take to the needy in 'Kudumbashree' brand without the intervention of middlemen. The milk is delivered in glass bottles and the eggs are delivered in trays.

Shri. Prasanth Babu, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Alappuzha District Mission, distributed the CEF (Community Enterprises Fund) to the entrepreneurs. Smt. P.P Sangeetha, Smt. Swapna Shabu, Shri. Biju Mon, Presidents, Grama Panchayaths, Shri. R Riyaz, Member, District Panchayath, Smt. P A Jumailath, Vice President, Mannancherry Panchayath, Shri. M. S Santosh, Shri K. P Ullas, Smt. Udayamma, Standing Committee Chairpersons, Smt. Thilakamma Vasudevan, Member, Block Panchayath, Smt. Ambili Das, Smt. Shanuja Biju, Smt. Smitha Baiju, Smt. G Latha, CDS Chairpersons, Smt. Suramya, Block Coordinator and Smt. Jalajakumari, President, Eksath Training Agency also spoke at the function. Shri. P Shibu, Member Secretary welcomed the gathering and Shri. Xavier, Assistant District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Alappuzha District Mission delivered the vote of thanks.

Kudumbashree Kannur District Mission has launched branded chips and pickles in 'Kannur' Brand. Shri. M.V Govindan Master, Minister, Local Self Government Department and Excise, Government of Kerala launched the 'Kannur' brand chips and pickles at the First Anniversary Celebrations of the State Government at Kannur on 13 April 2022. Shri. E. K Padmanabhan, District Information Officer, Kannur received the products from the Minister.

The Kudumbashree team from Kannur has launched six various pickles made of elephant foot yam, tender mango, garlic, lime and bird's eye chilli and four different types of snacks made of banana, tapioca etc, including jaggery coated banana chips, in the brand name 'Kannur'.

On the occasion of the first anniversary celebrations of the state Government these Agri value added products were launched in the market, through 'Kannur' brand. These branded products are prepared by 125 Neighborhood Group (NHG) members of 35 units from the Agri Products Processing sector. The Minister also launched the 'palada' of Oorjashree Nutrimix unit and the Tristar LED bulb of a youth enterprise group from Aralam at the function.

Shri. Raveendrakumar, Industries Sub Director, Kannur and Dr.M. Surjith, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Kannur District Mission also spoke at the function.

Vishu Markets of Kudumbashree are started across the state. The Vishu Markets will be started in all the 1069 CDSs and will function till 15 April 2022. The Vishnu Markets aim at making available organic vegetables at affordable rates to the public. It also aims at helping the Kudumbashree farmers and entrepreneurs to market their products and thereby help them to increase their income after the crisis of covid-19 pandemic.

It is envisaged to sell the organic vegetables produced by the 74,776 Kudumbashree women farming groups (Joint Liability Groups-JLGs) and the products of Kudumbashree micro entrepreneurs through these Vishu Markets. Organic cucumber, bitter gourd, spinach, aubergine, lady's finger, green chilly, pumpkin, peas, birds's eye chilli, drumstick, etc and various snacks, flours, curry powders, chutney powders etc will be available for sale at Kudumbashree Vishu Markets. In addition to that, different food items locally prepared by Kudumbashree entrepreneurs will also be sale at the Vishu Markets.

The Vishu Markets are arranged associating with the Local Self Government Institutions. The Organizing Committee formed at each CDSs are entrusted with bringing maximum products to the Vishu Market. This committee would also ensure the security of the market and will also ensure that the basic amenities are arranged. Arrangements are also made to analyze the participation and quantity of the products brought to the market. The Vishu markets will be organized ensuring covid protocol and green protocol.

Organized by Kudumbashree Mission, Saras Mela 2022, the national food and cultural expo, held at Kanakakunnu, Thiruvananthapuram from 30 March 2022 onwards, offering the best of traditional food and artistry has been concluded carving out yet another era in the history by drawing massive crowds. Shri. Sivankutty, Minister for General Education and Labour, Government of Kerala inaugurated the valedictory function on 10 April 2022.

The products of the rural entrepreneurs of India were arranged under one roof through 250 sales stalls. Food Court with 25 stalls where the cuisines from 15 states were available was also set up at Saras Mela 2022. In addition to that Cultural Programmes were arranged everyday. Various products such as jewelry, fabrics, leather products, handicrafts from Sikkim, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Goa etc were brought for sale.

The Awards for the Best Entrepreneurs and the Media Awards for giving good news coverage for Saras Mela 2022 was also given away at the function. Adv. V. K Prasanth, MLA, Vattiyoorkavu Constituency presided over the function. Smt. P.I Sreevidya IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree welcomed the gathering. Adv. D. Suresh Kumar, President, District Panchayath, Adv. D.K Murali, MLA, Vamanapuram Constituency, Adv. G Stephen, MLA, Aruvikkara Constituency and Dr. Khadija Mumtaz, Renowned Writer also attended the programme. Dr. K.R Shaiju, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram District Mission extended the vote of thanks.

Saras 2022 Media Award Winners:

1. Print Media

Best Reporting- Arya U.R (The New Indian Express)

Special Jury Mention- Aswathi Jayasree (Deshabhimani)

2. Visual Media

Best Reporting- S. S Saran (News 18)

Special Jury Mentions- M.K Vinod (Amrita TV), Gopal Sheela Sanal (Media One)

3. Photography

First Prize- Sumesh Kodiyath (Deshabhimani)

Second Prize- Vincent Pulikkal (The New Indian Express)

Third Prize- T.K Deepa Prasad (The Times of India)

Awards for the Entrepreneurs

1. Best Entrepreneur- Jyothi Lathikaraj (Jack World)

2. Best Young Entrepreneur- Sheeja (Ila Sanitary Pad)

3. Value Award (Best Presentation and News Worthiness)- Saikat Chithrakar (Bengal)

The Awards of 'Sargam 2022', the Story Writing Competition organized for Kudumbashree members have been distributed. Dr. Khadija Mumtaz, Renowned Writer and Former Vice President, Kerala Sahitya Academy had presented the awards to the winners at the function held in connection with the conclusion of Saras Mela 2022 at Nishagandhi Auditorium, Kanakakunnu on 10 April 2022.

Smt. Nitha P, (Story-Thfu), the first prize winner, hailing from Palakkad district, received the cash award of Rs. 15,000, memento and certificate. Smt. Dhanya N Nair (Story-Theendari), the second prize winner, hailing from Kottayam district received the cash award of Rs. 10,000, memento and certificate. Whereas, Smt. Latha (Story-Nirathu Vakkile Marangal), the third prize winner, hailing from Malappuram district received Rs. 5,000, memento and certificate.

Consolation Prizes were distributed to Smt. Baby Girija (Palakkad), Smt. Oormila A (Thiruvananthapuram), Smt. Vijayalakshmi M.K (Kannur), Smt. Sreedevi K Lal (Ernakulam), and Smt. Jisha M (Kannur). Cash Prize of Rs. 1,000, mementos and certificates were given to the consolation prize winners. Smt. Irfana P.K (Kannur), Smt. Rashida Zubair M.T (Malappuram) and Smt. Anuja Baiju (Kottayam) have also bagged the consolation prizes.