Rural Womenpreneurs Highlighted at SARAS Livelihood Fair 2025

By: WE staff | Wednesday, 10 September 2025

• The SARAS Livelihood Fair 2025 was inaugurated at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, New Delhi
• The event was inaugurated by Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta
• The fair supports the ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Swadeshi’ (indigenous goods) initiatives

The SARAS Livelihood Fair 2025, one of India’s largest platforms for rural women entrepreneurs, was inaugurated at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, New Delhi, by Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

The event, running from September 5 to September 22, is organized under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote the ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Swadeshi’ initiatives.

In the inaugural address, Shivraj Singh explained the fair as a face of a self-reliant India and reiterated that the adoption of local products was essential to build the economy, generate employment, and empower rural women.

He pointed out that more than 2 crore women belonging to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have already turned into 'Lakhpati Didis' and hoped the figure would cross 3 crore in the near future. Shivraj Singh also invited some of the participating 'Didis' to share a communal meal at his home.

Chief Minister Rekha praised the Ministry of Rural Development for holding the event and encouraging women entrepreneurs. She pointed out that the fair is both a market place and platform celebrating women's achievements and India's diversity.

She also reiterated the Delhi government's assurance that Central Government schemes would reach beneficiaries who had otherwise been excluded.

The 2025 SARAS Fair saw over 400 'Lakhpati Didis' of SHGs from all parts of India, where there were a variety of products ranging from handicrafts, fabrics, home furnishings, organic foodstuffs, and traditional health products on display.

Participants, public visitors, and dignitaries all got a chance to meet entrepreneurs, valuing their innovative minds and efforts.

An India Food Court featuring country foods and everyday cultural events promoting national integration formed a part of the event as well.