'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).

A special campaign of Snehitha Gender Help Desk has also started in connection with the Entrance Festival of the Academic Year in 102 schools of Ernakulam district. This programme is as part of the 'Snehitha Gender Club @ School' Project. The aim of the campaign is to find solutions to children's learning problems, behavioral problems and problems faced by teenagers and also to bring the concept of gender equality among children.

Time table cards containing details including Snehitha's toll-free number and QR code to engage in monthly activities in all classrooms, online gender challenge competition on second Saturday of every month at 10 am will be conducted as part of the camp. A winner will be selected and awarded at the district level every month.

Apart from this, counseling, motivational classes, awareness programme, various trainings and anti-drug classes for children will also be organized as part of gender clubs.

NHG members of Kasaragod district welcomed more than 3500 Kudumbashree art talents from all over the state to the 'Arangu' State Arts Festival with the announcement of Arangu State Arts Festival through 'Arangorukkam' and lighting of the 'Arangorukkam' lamp. 'Arangorukkam' and lighting of the 'Arangorukkam' lamp ahead of the 'Arangu' the State Arts Festival of NHG and Auxiliary group members proposed to be held at Kalikkadav of Pilikode of Kasaragod on 7-9 June 2024 took place on 2 June 2024.

Apart from this, a cultural gathering was also organized at Valiya Paramba Beach. Dr. V.P.P Mustafa inaugurated the programme and Shri. V Sajeevan, President, Valiya Paramba Panchayat presided over the ceremony. Ms. K. Shakuntala, Chairperson, District Panchayat Public Works Standing Committee, Shri. Manoharan, Chairman, Welfare Standing Committee, Valiya Paramba Grama Panchayat, Shri. D. Haridas, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission, Ms. C.Reena, Chairperson, Padanna CDS, Ms. M.Malathi, Chairperson, Thrikaripur CDS also spoke at the function. Shri. K.V. Lijin, District Programme Manager, Kudumbashree deliver the vote of thanks.

A Flash Mob was organized at Kasaragod in connection with 'Arangu', the State Arts Festival of Kudumbashree NHG and Auxiliary Group members proposed to be held at Kalikkadav of Pilikode Panchayath of Kasaragod District during 7-9 June 2024. The programme was organized to spread the wave of Arangu all across the state. The flash mob was started at Thrikaripur. After touring various centres in the district with great acceptance, it concluded at Pallikkara.

Shri. V.V. Sajeevan, President, Valiya Paramba Panchayath, performed the inauguration of the flash mob tour. Ms. M.Malathi, Chairperson, Thrikaripur CDS presided over the programme.  Shri. D.Haridas, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission welcomed the gathering and Ms. V.V.Rajina, Ms. T. Shijitha, Ms. M.Usha and  Ms. E.Shobhana gave leadership to the flash mob.

Kudumbashree shared pride with the Education Department when the distribution of textbooks was completed in schools across the state before the opening of schools. The distribution of 2.97 crore textbooks to classes 1 to 10 in public schools of the state was completed on 30 May 2024. It will be beneficial for 45 lakh students studying in about 13,000 schools in the General Education sector of the state, including schools in the aided and unaided sector. Kudumbashree's achievement was to work together with the department to complete the delivery of textbooks on time for four consecutive years.

The activities related to the distribution of textbooks was started in the first week of April in collaboration with the Department of Education and the Kerala Books and Publishing Society (KBPS), a Kerala Government Institution. About 350 Kudumbashree women were selected for the hubs under the Education Department at the district level in relation to book distribution.

KBPS is responsible for printing the books and delivering them to the hubs in each district. The Kudumbashree members completed the work of sorting and packing the books in proportion to the number given from here. These books will then be distributed to 3302 societies under the hubs under the leadership of KBPS. Then the books were delivered to each school from here. Co-ordination of activities at the hub was done through supervisors under Kudumbashree.

Timely completion of textbook distribution has been very helpful for students and parents. The tireless efforts of Kudumbashree District Mission Office staff and Kudumbashree workers in the state in collaboration with the Education Department helped to complete the distribution of textbooks in a short period of time.

A gathering of the winners of previous Arangu State Level Arts Competitions and a Seminar on Arangu was organized ahead of Arangu 2024, the State Arts Festival of Kudumbashree NHG- Auxiliary members bringing a unique experience. The Arangu State Arts Festival is proposed to be held at Pilikode of Kasaragod on 7-9 June 2024.

The seminar and the gathering were organized at Cheruvathoor Open Auditorium. In the seminar, Ms. P. Subaida, Social Worker and Writer spoke on the '26 Years of Kudumbashree'. Ms. Ayesha Ayoob, Ms. Bhagyashree, Ms. Rajalakshmi and Ms. Bhagirathi, Past Winners, Arangu State Level Art Festival shared their Arangu experiences.

Ms. K. Shakuntala, Chairperson, Public Works Standing Committee, Kasaragod District Panchayat inaugurated the programme and Ms. Sreeja, CDS Chairperson, Cheruvathoor presided over the ceremony. Shri. T.T. Surendran, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission was the Chief Guest of the programme. The Balasabha members of the district who participated in the State Level Bala Parliament were felicitated on the occasion.

Shri. D. Haridas, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission and Ms. Sumathi, Chairperson, Pallikkara CDS Sumathi spoke at the function. Shri. Lijin K.V, Convener, Seminar Committee welcomed the gathering. Shri. Jyothish A, Block Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree delivered the vote of thanks.

'Kottum Kuravayum', a Street Painting Programme was organized for the promotion of Arangu State Arts Festival at Kanhangad on 29 May 2024. Arangu State Arts Festival is proposed to be held at Pilikode of Kasaragod district on 7-9 June 2024. The street painting programme was inaugurated by Ms. C.P. Subha, Poet by drawing a picture. Many people participated in the programme by drawing pictures representing different ideas.

Shri. D. Haridas, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission, Shri. C.C. Nishad, State Programme Manager, Kudumbashree, Ms. K. Sujini, Ms. Surya Janaki, CDS Chairpersons, Kanhangad,  Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission Officials and CDS members participated in the function.

A gathering of CDS Chairpersons and Kudumbashree officials of the entire Kasaragod district was also organized for the successful organization of the Arangu State Arts Festival. Shri. T.T. Surendran, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission inaugurated the programme and Shri. D. Haridas, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission presided over the function. Shri. C.H. Iqbal, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission, Shri. C.C. Nishad, State Programme Manager, Ms. Muneera, State Assistant Programme Manager and CDS Chairpersons were present at the function. Ms. Reshma, District Programme Manager delivered the vote of thanks.

The registration portal has been set up for the contestants participating in the State Arts Festival 'Arangu 2024' of Kudumbashree NHG and Auxiliary members proposed to be held on 7-9 June 2024 at Pilikode in Kasaragod district. Jafar Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree inaugurated the portal online.

About 3500 artists will participate in fifty stage and non-stage competitions organized in 13 venues. Registration of those who have qualified to participate in the State Arts Festival will be completed on 1 June 2024. The NHG membership checks of registered members will be completed by 3 June 2024. District Level Arts Festivals are progressing in various districts.

Shri. T.T. Surendran, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission presided over the function and Shri. Nafih Muhammed, Public Relations Officer, Kudumbashree delivered the vote of thanks. District Mission Co-ordinators, State Programme Managers, District Programme Managers and CDS Chairpersons participated in the function.

Kasaragod district is gearing up to literally celebrate Arangu 2024 State Arts Festival, a festival organized for the Kudumbashree NHG - Auxiliary members at Pilikode in Kasaragod district on 7-9 June 2024. The decision to organize various programmes as part of the Arangu was taken in the General Executive Meeting held at  Karakkakav Auditorium, Pilikode on 27 May 2024.

Shri. M Rajagopalan MLA, Chairman, Organizing Committee presided over the function. Shri. T.T. Surendran, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission, Convener, Organizing Committee welcomed the gathering. Chairpersons and conveners of various sub-committees and others participated in the meeting.

A wide exhibition will be organized as part of the Arangu, which will include the local self-government bodies of the district, projects implemented by various departments, working models and Kudumbashree product display and marketing fair.

Also, for the promotion of Arangu State Arts Festival, a street painting programme called 'Kottum Kuravayum' was organized at Old Bus Stand area, Kanhangad on 29 May 2024. Cheruvathoor Panchayat will organize a gathering of winners of previous Arangu State Level Arts Competitions and Arangu 2024 Seminar on behalf of the district at open auditorium on 30 May 2024. 'Arangorukkam' Vilambaram will be organized to spread the spirit of Arangu to different corners of the district, in which 12,458 Kudumbashree NHG members will become part of on 2 June 2024.