Kudumbashree Malappuram District Mission came up with a special scheme to find self-employment for the hearing-speech-impaired and turn them into entrepreneurs. Prior to the implementation of the project, a first phase meeting of those who needed the help of Kudumbashree to engage in self-employment or livelihood activities was organized at the Malappuram Collectorate Conference Hall on 6 July 2024. 

Kudumbashree Malappuram District Mission will implement this project in collaboration with the District Administration and various organizations of hearing and speech impaired. The aim is to provide enterprises, job training and financial assistance through various projects implemented by Kudumbashree.

About seventy people attended the meeting. The collection of their information has also started. In the second phase Kudumbashree will collect name and information of more people who are interested to be a part of the project through CDSs.

Shri. V.R Vinod Kumar IAS, District Collector, Malappuram inaugurated the meeting. Shri. K.S. Haskar, District Programme Manager, Kudumbashree explained the project. Ms. Sheeba Mumtaz, District Social Justice Officer, Shri. Muhammad Kattupara, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Malappuram District Mission, Shri. Abhijith Marar, Ms. Sameer, Officials of Kudumbashree Malappuram District Mission,  Shri. K.C. Abdul Latif, Mujeeb Rahman, Officials of various organizations, Ms. Faseela, Interpreter and others participated in the inaugural function.

Kudumbashree organized a two-day training for State Level Auxiliary Resource Persons as part of 'Meet the New' Auxiliary Group Reorganization Campaign to expand and reorganize Auxiliary Groups. The aim of the campaign is to bring the activities of the Auxiliary Group to more people in the months of July and August.

Around 1000 Resource Persons participated in the training conducted in 4 batches at KILA's headquarters in Thrissur. District Programme Managers and Block Co-ordinators also participated in the training. The training classes were on Duties of Auxiliary Resource Persons, Responsibilities, Campaign Methodology, Importance of Auxiliary Group, New Livelihood Possibilities, Operational Possibilities of Auxiliary Group and Communication Skills. Also the Auxiliary Group members who are working well shared their experiences.

A five-day training was given to 11 selected Mentors as part of the 'Chalanam' Mentorship Programme implemented by Kudumbashree Urban CDSs. The programme was organized in Thiruvananthapuram from 2 to 6 July 2024. Training was given on various subjects like Kudumbashree Organizational System Strengthening, Livelihood Development, CDS-ULB Convergence, Plan Preparation of Municipalities and Role of Community Based Organizations (CBO), Local Economic Development, Financial Management, Mentorship Skills, Stress Management & Emotional Balancing, Problem Solving.

Shri. Jahamgeer S, Secretary, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and Former Program Officer of Kudumbashree, Shri. Jagajeevan, Consultant, Suchitwa Mission and Former Programme Officer of Kudumbashree, Dr. Reema Sudarshan, Psychologist, Ms. Arya Murali, Member, Punalur CDS Kudumbasree Auxiliary Group  and Yoga and Fitness Trainer, Shri. Nishad C.C, Shri. Abdul Basheer, Shri. M. Prabhakaran, Ms. Suchitra. S, Shri. Sudheer K.B, Shri. Shibu N.P, Shri. Anishkumar M.S, Ms. Beena. E, Shri. Prithviraj, Shri. Sabu B., Shri. Nishanth G.S, Shri. Muhammed Shan.S.S, State Programme Managers, Kudumbashree, Ms. Ramya, Shri. Ratheesh, Shri. Shaiju and Ms. Priya Paul, Programme Manager, Kudumbashree National Resource Organization also imparted training on various topics and answered queries.

A six-member Mentor Core Group of the Chalanam Programme developed the training module and co-ordinated the training for the State Mission. After the training, a 10-day Immersion Study will be conducted at selected CDSs and an activity calendar will be prepared. Then for six months CDSs will be supported.

'Wings of Fire' Kudumbashree Auxiliary group  from Ward 18 of Tiruvallur gram panchayat of Kozhikode district is gaining attention with its work which can be an example for all Auxiliary Groups, the new face of Kudumbashree. This two-year-old 15-member group undertakes a wide variety of activities.

The important one among is to run the tuition centre in such a way as to help the entire new generation while earning their own livelihood. They are making effective interventions in the social field as well. More than 20 students study at the tuition centre where educated Auxiliary Group members take classes. The money received from the Christmas carols were spent for the members of the Thanal Old Age Home in Vadakara. Intervention was made to get public health insurance card online. Organized a protest against violence against women. Organized Onam and Christmas celebrations and Ifthar feast. Wings of Fire's involvement in the social arena has been extended by organizing a women's festival to showcase their artistic and cultural talents to all the young women of their locality.

Kudumbashree Auxiliary Groups will be formed on ward basis where young women between 18 to 40 years of age can become members. A group can have a maximum of 10 to 20 members. If more people come forward with interest, another group can be formed in the same ward.

Annashree Central Food Production Unit and Research Centre has started operations in Thrissur with the aim of research and development of agricultural value added products and food products. AIFRHM (Adebha Institute of Food Research and Hospitality Management), the Kudumbashree initiative and master training agency providing catering training is spearheading the project.

The centre was officially inaugurated by Adv. K. Rajan, Minister of Revenue, Government of Kerala at Madakkathara on 22 June 2024. Kudumbashree entrepreneurs will be trained through the centre to undertake large scale catering works and food orders. Kudumbashree farming groups will be assisted to grow vegetables and produce value added products and the research to prepare different and local food products will be done through the centre.

This project is initiated with the help of District Industries Centre and Agri Infrastructure Fund, and is fully supervised by Kudumbashree. Shri. K. Ravi,  President, Block Panchayat, Ms. Indira, President, Panchayat, Ms. Savithri, Shri. Ajith Kumar, Shri. Prashanth, People's Representatives, Ms. Sathi, CDS Chairperson,  Dr. Shanavas, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, Dr. Kavitha, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission, Shri. Jyothish Kumar, Former District Mission Co-ordinator, Shri. Nirmal, Shri. Siju, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinators, Ms. Deepa, District Programme Manager, Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission, and representatives of AIFRHM were present at the inaugural function.

A state-level workshop was organized ahead of the expansion of the branding project of introducing curry powders, masala products and grain powders produced by Kudumbashree entrepreneurs under the 'Kudumbashree' brand to all districts. Branding aims to unify the Kudumbashree enterprises producing the same products and make them available in the public market under one brand with the same quality and packaging.

As the first step, 12 types of products namely curry powders, masala products and grain powders are branded. Branding was done in Kannur district on a pilot basis in the financial year 2019-20. Later the scheme was extended to Malappuram, Kottayam, Thrissur, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts.

A workshop was organized in Kannur district on 20-22 June 2024 as a starting point for branding in the remaining districts in this financial year itself. Kannur, Malappuram, Thrissur, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Kollam districts shared their experiences and challenges faced regarding branding in the workshop. Kudumbashree entrepreneurs in these districts elaborated on the benefits of branding. As part of the workshop, a visit was also organized to the units that are part of branding activities in Kannur district.

The task of co-ordinating the branding activities of the products prepared by the entrepreneurs in a decentralized manner is carried out in each district by the consortium formed in the respective districts. This consortium is responsible for the marketing of branded products and procurement of raw materials.

Kudumbashree is preparing to make every family in Kerala centres of happiness through 'Happiness Centres' based on the concept of 'Happy Kerala'. The aim is to set up Happiness Centres in 168 model CDSs in Kerala by 17 August 2024 in connection with FNHW (Food Nutrition Health and Wash) activities as part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission project being implemented by Kudumbashree.

Kudumbashree aims to make every family a centre of happiness by ensuring the overall well-being and upliftment of every individual and family in the society through Happiness Centres. With the implementation of this very innovative idea, Kerala will be able to advance in the happiness index and become a model for other states.

Activities are planned for the project to address the inadequacies faced by an individual or family in various areas such as equality, economic sustainability, environment, art, literature, sports, mental health, nutrition, hygiene and democratic values and lead them to a happy life. The project will be implemented in such a way that it will be helpful to every person of the society like children, youth, adults and the elderly.

A survey will be conducted focusing on the families in the model CDSs where happiness centres will be established and a detailed plan will be prepared to raise the happiness index of those families. On the basis of this project, a happiness index will be prepared according to the social situation of Kerala and the project activities will be started after conducting an evaluation under the leadership of experts in various fields.

Local Self Government Department will be the main partner in implementation of the project and Kudumbashree will converge with various departments like health, social justice, women and child development, agriculture, animal husbandry, dairy development, forest and other departments in the implementation of the project. It will also coordinate with various projects implemented by Kudumbashree.

A two-day workshop was also organized to conceptualize the project methodology and guidelines at Thiruvananthapuram on 20-21 June 2024. Group discussions were organized and brainstormed based on various areas such as equity, economic sustainability, environment, hygiene, art and literature, sports, mental health, nutrition, democratic values etc. The suggestions received in the workshop will be codified and the methodology and guidelines will be prepared.

Dr. B. Sreejith, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree gave leadership to the discussions. Dr. Abbas Ali T.K, Dr. Razeena Padmam M.S, Dr. S. Shanthi, Dr. Peeja Rajan, Dr. Unnimol, Dr. Sreelekha T.J, Dr. Ramesh. K, Dr. C. Swaraj, Dr. P. Sathyanesan, Shri. Satheesh Kumar. K, Shri. Rajeev. R, Shri Rafi. P and Ms. Sunitha presented various ideas. Ms. Krishnakumari. R, State Assistant Programme Manager, Kudumbashree welcomed the gathering and Ms. Preetha State Assistant Programme Manager, Kudumbashree delivered the vote of thanks.

Kambalam, a traditional festival marking the beginning of Panchakrishi, begins at Attappady in Palakkad, Kambalam is organized as a part of Attappady Tribal Comprehensive Development Project implemented in Attappady through Kudumbashree with the aim of making agriculture more popular. The first Kambalam of the year was held in Oothukuzhi under the leadership of Sholayur Panchayat Samiti on 18 June 2024.

The celebrations started at 11 AM. Seeds and working tools were brought to the farm with the accompaniment of traditional music and Bhumi Pooja and seed sowing were performed under the leadership of 'Mannookkaran'. More than 250 people including 'Ooru Mooppan', 'Bhandari', 'Kuduthala', Kudumbashree Ooru Samiti office bearers, Panchayat Samiti office bearers, farmers and NHG members became part of Kambalam.

Shri. B.S. Manoj, Assistant Program Officer, Kudumbashree Attappady Comprehensive Development Project honored the Panchayat Samiti office bearers, Mannookkaran and farmers. Traditional music and dance were performed accompanied by musical instruments and traditional food was eaten. Attappady Tribal Comprehensive Development Project officials, Ms. Praja, Secretary, Panchayat Samiti, Ms. Selina Shanmugam, President, Panchayat Samiti and others were part of Kambalam.

This year, as part of the Attappady Adivasi Comprehensive Development Project, it is targeted to cultivate millets (small grains) in 1000 acres. Apart from this, the activities for preparing five model farms each in Agali, Sholayur, Kurumba and Puthoor Panchayat Samitis are also in progress.

'Arangu 2024' Kudumbashree State Arts Festival came to an end showcasing the inherent talents of Kudumbashree NHG- Auxiliary Group members. Kasargod district came in First Place with 199 points. Kannur and Thrissur districts came in second and third place with 180 and 96 points respectively. Shri. M. B Rajesh, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala inaugurated the valedictory function at Panchayath Ground, Kalikkadav, Kasargod on 9 June 2024 via online.

The Minister said that Kudumbashree aims not only at socio-economic and political strengthening but also at cultural empowerment. Through 'Arangu' Arts Festival, Kudumbashree envisages the cultural empowerment of Kudumbashree women. Special competitions were organized for the young ladies who are members of the Kudumbashree Auxiliary Groups. Along with this, the Kudumbashree Literary Festival has started since last year. Kudumbashree is growing as a complete empowering women's movement by uplifting women at all levels and providing a platform for them to shine and showcase their creative talents. This time, Arangu State Arts Festival takes place in a rural setting. The Arangu Festival held at Pilikode Grama Panchayat of Kasaragod will turn out to be an unforgettable experience for everyone. He added.

Kudumbashree has a proud operational history for over the past quarter of a century. The role played by Kudumbashree in the multifaceted empowerment of the women community in Kerala is inestimable. Kudumbashree has become a powerful instrument of social, economic and political empowerment of the women community in Kerala. Actually Kudumbashree has made the biggest contribution in realizing the slogan of renaissance- from kitchen to the mainstream of society, during the last quarter of a century. Today there are no areas where Kudumbashree has not reached. Kudumbashree has also entered the field of elderly care, one of the most important issues faced by Kerala today. Kudumbashree turns everything that touches into 'gold'. This movement is a model for India as a whole. Kudumbashree's fame has reached outside India as well. The Minister said.

Shri. M. Rajagopalan, MLA presided over the function. The Ever Rolling Trophy was given to Kasargod by Shri. M. Rajagopalan, MLA and Overall Champion Trophy was presented to Kasargod by Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree. Ms. Baby Balakrishnan, President, District Panchayath, Kasaragod gave away the award to the Second Prize winners and Ms. P. P Divya, Governing Body Member, Kudumbashree and President, District Panchayath, Kannur gave away the award to the Third Prize winners

Kasaragod district is bagging the overall championship in Arangu Kudumbashree State Arts Festival for the fifth time in a row. Ms. Baby Balakrishnan, President, District Panchayath, Kasaragod, Ms. P. P Divya, Governing Body Member, Kudumbashree and President, District Panchayath, Kannur and Ms. P.K Sainaba, Member, Kudumbashree Governing Body were the Chief Guests of the function.

Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree welcomed the gathering and Shri. C.H Iqbal, Assistant District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Kasargod District Mission and Convener, Finance Committee delivered the vote of thanks. Shri. Shanavas Padoor, Vice President, District Panchayat, Kasargod, Ms. P.P Prasanna Kumari, President, Pilikode Grama Panchayat, Ms. C. V Prameela, President, Cheruvathur Grama Panchayat, Shri. Muhammed Aslam, President, Padanna Grama Panchayat, Shri. V. V Sajeevan, President, Valiyaparamba Grama Panchayat, Shri. V. K Bava, President, Trikaripur Grama Panchayat, Ms. M Santha, Vice President, Kayyur-Cheemeni Grama Panchayat, Adv A.P Usha, President, Delampady Grama Panchayath, Ms. K Shakunthala, Chairperson, Standing Committee, District Panchayath, Shri. M. Manu, Chairman, Standing Committee, District Panchayath, Shri. C.J Sajith, Member, District Panchayath, Ms. P. K Lakshmi, Vice President, Neeleswaram Block Panchayat, Shri. Surendran T.T, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission, Ms. K Sanooja, Chairperson, Uduma CDS, Ms. C Bindu, Chairperson, Kodom Belur CDS, Ms. M Gulabi, Chairperson, Bandhadukka CDS, Ms.Mumtaz Aboobacker, Chairperson, Chemnad CDS, Ms.Vijayalakshmi, Chairperson, Vorkady CDS were also present at the function.

Arangu 2024 was kickstarted when Shri. A N Shamseer, Speaker, Kerala Legislative Assembly inaugurated the festival at Panchayat Ground, Kalikkadav on 7 June 2024. The three day Arts Festival took place at the 14venues viz., Venue 1- KR Gouri Amma, Nadana Mandapam (Panchayath Ground, Kalikkadav), Venue 2- Accamma Cherian (CKNSGHSS, Pilikode), Venue 3- Sara Aboobacker Laya Mandapam ( GUPS, Chandera), Venue 4- Sugathakumari Kavya Mandapam (Fine Arts Hall, Paduvalam, Pilikode), Venue -5 P. C Karthyayani Kuttiyamma Nada Mandapam (Block Panchayath Hall, Paduvalam), Venue 6- KPAC Lalitha Lasya Mandapam (GUPS, Pilikode), Venue 7- Kaumudi Teacher Chithra Mandapam (CKNSGHSS Hall), Venue 8- Lalithambika Antharjanam Keli Mandapam (CKNSGHSS Hall), Venue 9- Dakshayani Velayudhan Rachana Mandapam (CKNSGHSS Hall), Venue 10- P.K Rosy Rachana Mandapam (CKNSGHSS Hall), Venue 11- Kamala Surayya Rachana Mandapam (CKNSGHSS Hall), CKNSGHSS Hall), Venue 12- Karichiyamma Rachana Mandapam ( CKNSGHSS Hall), Venue 13- Miss Kumari Rachana Mandapam (CKNSGHSS Hall), Venue 14- K Saraswathiyamma Thala Mandapam (Friends Club, Karakkeru).

Various committees who worked hard for the successful completion of the programme were felicitated at the function. Arangu 2024 Kudumbashree State Arts Festival gave an opportunity for the women to present their artistic talents before the society. Arangu 2024, the three day Arts festival had indeed stolen the hearts of the art lovers of Kasaragod.

Arangu 2024- Winners

Individual Champion

Auxiliary Stage Category-

1.Parvathy S Udayan, Kollam District

Bharatanatyam, Mohinyattam, Kuchipudi First Prize

Auxiliary Non Stage Category-Navya N, Kasaragod

Story Writing (English), Poem Writing (English)

Swetha N, Kasargod

Story Writing (Kannada), Poem Writing (Kannada)

NHG Stage Category-Ardra M Anand, Thrissur

Folk Dance, Kuchipudi -First Prize

NHG Non Stage Category-Chinchu Paul, Ernakulam

Story Writing (English), Poem Writing (English)

Jayalakshmi, Thiruvananthapuram

Story Writing (Tamil), Poem Writing (Tamil)

Gopika Nandana, Thrissur

Drawing (Pencil), Cartoon -First Prize

Best Actress

Prajitha N.P

Kudumbashree's  State Art Festival 'Arangu 2024' has been kickstarted at Pilikode Panchayath of Kasaragod. Shri. A.N Shamseer, Speaker, Kerala Legislative Assembly inaugurated the festival at Panchayath Ground, Kalikkadav, Pilikode, Kasaragod on 7 June 2024. The Speaker said that Kudumbashree has grown to a level where we can't deny its existence. That is the proof of the growth that Kudumbashree has attained. It may be through the strength women attained through Kudumbashree, it was able to bring 50% reservations for women in Local Self Government Institutions. Women of Kerala proclaimed their leadership through Kudumbashree.

Kudumbashree has literally become a part of our lives. He said. He also added that Kudumbashree has played a key role in making the women of Kerala become independent and live without the support of anyone. That's the strength of women empowerment. Arangu 2024 is the Arts Festival of Kudumbashree women. Through this, Kudumbashree is giving the members an opportunity to showcase their talents. He added. He also wished the Kudumbashree NHG-Auxiliary Group members to have a health competition.

Shri. M. Rajagopalan, MLA presided over the function. Shri E. Chandrasekharan, MLA gave away the Awards for the Best Logo and Best Tagline. Shri. Hareesh Udayagiri received the award for the best logo and Shri. Harikrishnan M, received the award for the best tagline. The Award for the best logo consisted of Memento and Cash Prize of Rs. 25,000 and the award for the best tagline consisted of Memento and Cash Prize of Rs. 10,000. 

The Art festival is organized by Kudumbashree Mission in association with the Local Self Government Department. About 5000 Kudumbashree women took part in the procession organized prior to the inaugural function. The procession was started from the premises of GUP School, Chandera. The three day Art Festival will take place at the 14 venues and 3500 Kudumbashree members will participate in the Arangu State Arts Festival. The competitions are held in two categories viz., NHG Category and Auxiliary Group Category. 

The Art Festival is an opportunity for the women to present their artistic talents before the society.  Shri. Surendran T.T, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission welcomed the gathering and Shri. D. Haridas, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission extended vote of Thanks.

Ms. Baby Balakrishnan, President, District Panchayath, Kasaragod, Ms. P.P. Divya, Governing Body Member, Kudumbashree and President, District Panchayath, Kannur, Shri. Inbasekar K IAS, District Collector, Kasaragod, Shri. Abbas Beegum, Chairman, Kasaragod Municipality, Ms. K. V Sujatha, Chairperson, Kanhangad Municipality, Ms. T. V Santha, Chairperson, Neeleshwaram Municipality, Ms . Shameena Teacher, President, Manjeswaram Block Panchayath, Shri. Sigi Mathew,  President, Karadukka Block Panchayath, Ms. M. Lakshmi, President, Parappa Block Panchayath, Shri. K Manikandan, President, Kanhangad Block Panchayat, Shri. Madhavan Maniyara, President, Neeleshwaram Block Panchayath, Ms. P. P Prasanna Kumari, President, Pilikode Panchayath, Ms. K. M Usha, President, State Grama Panchayath Association, Shri. Suresh Kumar, Secretary, State Grama Panchayath Association, Shri. Raju Kattakayam, Vice President, State Grama Panchayath Association, Adv. A. P Usha, District Grama Panchayath Association, Shri. T. K Ravi, Executive Member, State Grama Panchayath Association, Ms. Bindu K.S, Director, Kudumbashree State Mission, Shri. V.P.P Mustafa, Working Chairman, Organizing Committee, Ms. P. Santha, Chairperson, Pilikode CDS, Ms. E.K Bindu, Chairperson, Valiyaparamba CDS, Ms. P. M Sandhya, Chairperson, Neeleshwaram CDS, Ms. R Rajitha, Chairperson, Kayyur-Cheemeni CDS, Ms. M. Malathi, Chairperson, Thrikaripur CDS and Ms. C. Reena, Chairperson, Padanna CDS also attended the programme. 

There are 95 competitions (stage items and non-stage items) in various items such as Sinkarimelam, Drama, Stamping Drama, Thiruvathira, Oppana, Margamkali, Skit, Mime, Lyrical Narrative (Kadha Prasangam), Group Song, Group Dance, Folk Song, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Mon Act, Mohiniyattom, Mimicry, Light Music, Kerala Nadanam, Fancy Dress, Recitation (Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi, English, Arabic), Elocution, Story Writing (Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi, English, Arabic) Poem Writing (Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi, English, Arabic) etc. 

The 14 venues include  Venue 1- KR Gouri Amma, Nadana Mandapam (Panchayath Ground, Kalikkadav), Venue 2- Accamma Cherian (CKNSGHSS, Pilikode), Venue 3- Sara Aboobacker Laya Mandapam ( GUPS, Chandera), Venue 4- Sugathakumari Kavya Mandapam (Fine Arts Hall, Paduvalam, Pilikode), Venue -5 P. C Karthyayani Kuttiyamma Nada Mandapam (Block Panchayath Hall, Paduvalam), Venue 6- KPAC Lalitha Lasya Mandapam (GUPS, Pilikode), Venue 7- Kaumudi Teacher Chithra Mandapam (CKNSGHSS Hall), Venue 8- Lalithambika Antharjanam Keli Mandapam (CKNSGHSS Hall), Venue 9- Dakshayani Velayudhan Rachana Mandapam (CKNSGHSS Hall), Venue 10- P.K Rosy Rachana Mandapam (CKNSGHSS Hall), Venue 11- Kamala Surayya Rachana Mandapam (CKNSGHSS Hall), CKNSGHSS Hall), Venue 12- Karichiyamma Rachana Mandapam (CKNSGHSS Hall), Venue 13- Miss Kumari Rachana Mandapam (CKNSGHSS Hall), Venue 14- K Saraswathiyamma Thala Mandapam (Friends Club, Karakkeru).