India's 1st Women's Business Mela 2022 Concludes in Bhubaneswar

By: WE Staff | Tuesday, 10 May 2022

The Indian Chamber of Commerce's Entrepreneurship Council hosted India's maiden Women's Business Mela- 2022, a five-day bonanza.

The India's First Women's Business Mela 2022 was held at Janta Maidan in Bhubaneswar from May 4 to 8, with the goal of promoting women's business in the state.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik officially opened the event. Over 150 stalls were set up by women entrepreneurs over the course of a 5-day festival, with over 30 dedicated to women entrepreneurs from SHGs and tribal areas.

Prof. Ganeshi Lal, the Governor of Odisha, addressed at the closing ceremony about the unique role that women may play in society and how they should be treated equally.

The First Tribal Queen contest (Ad Rani) was founded by Chidatmita Khatuam, ''The mission of the Foundation is to explore the tribal treasure and specifically to empower the girls/women by showcasing their age-old heritage and cultural traditions while retaining their individual identity.''

Other dignitaries in session included Odisha W& CD Minister Tukuni Sahu, Vidya Krishnan, Odisha state council chairman J.B. Pany, co-chairman M.K. Gupta, women entrepreneur's convener Sukirti Pattanaik, and co-convener Tanaya Pattanaik spoke about women's concerns, success, and possibilities in numerous sessions.

Only women entrepreneurs set up and organised more than 100 stalls. A gaming zone and a snack court were also put up in addition to the selfie zone.

Various business seminars for the development of women entrepreneurs were also held. The event's main attractions were Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal, director Imtiaz Ali, and motivational speaker Gauranga Das.

Mission Shakti's Self Help Groups (SHGs) were also active participants in the mela.

They showcased a number of interesting products that were well accepted by tourists.

At the mela, tribal entrepreneurs set up kiosks. The event's overall inclusion was praised by all attendees.

The event will also be held next year, according to the organisers.