A discussion for developing an Action Plan for 'Rachna' - Contemporary Stories of Kudumbashree members was held during the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Kudumbashree on 17 May 2023. The discussion for developing an action plan' was enthusiastically received by the CDS members. Ms. Sarada Muraleedharan IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Local Self-Government Department, Government of Kerala said that the experiences of Kudumbashree women who made history in the field of women's empowerment through their 25-year journey of resistance and survival are a treasure for the world.

Shri. N. Jagajeevan, Consultant, Suchithwa Mission and Former Programme Officer of Kudumbashree explained the concept of 'Rachana', a programme for documenting the history of twenty-five years of growth and development of Kudumbashree and its implementation.

'Rachna' will document the family and social background of Kerala a quarter of a century ago and the life of ordinary women there and how was the growth and development of the Kudumbashree movement. It will contain the history of the progress achieved by the women community of Kerala in the last twenty five years through Kudumbashree Mission. Through this, 25 years history of each CDS in the state will be available. The aim is to complete the 'Rachna' by 25 August 2023. This Silver History is prepared through Participatory Writing.

From 'Art' to 'Crime and Violence Prevention' - The Kudumbashree Silver Jubilee Closing Ceremony was kicked off in grand style with separate panel discussions. The Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Kudumbashree, which has taken strong roots in the Kerala society and led 46 lakh women from darkness to light in the last quarter of a century, got off to a fiery start at  Putharikandam Maidan, Thiruvananthapuram on 15 May 2023. At first, there were art programmes performed by Sangha Chetana NHG members of Amarambalam CDS of Malappuram district. This was followed by panel discussions with personalities who have made a mark in the fields of art and entrepreneurship and who have overcome adversities.

A panel discussion on 'Art as a medium of expression and social change' moderated by Ms. Rekha Menon, Journalist provided a platform for open expressions of opinion. Ms. C.S Chandrika, Activist & Writer said that art is against violence and the politics put forward by art is human love and humanity. Ms. Vidhu Vincent, Film Director & Media Activist said that Kudumbashree women coming forward as role models in many fields is an exciting and energetic experience. She also reminded about the need to involve Kudumbashree entrepreneurs in the film industry as well. Ms. Kavitha Balakrishnan, Artist, said that Kudumbashree transforms the women of Kerala into extremely influential people and is proud to be a part of Kudumbashree, a female ocean of thousands of women. Ms. Deepthi, Ms. Biji. M, Members, Rangashree Theatre Group, Ms. Annie Vishwanath, Mentor, Kudumbashree National Resource Organization,  Ms. Deepa Mohanan, Kudumbashree Entrepreneur and Poet shared their success experiences they had gained with the strength of Kudumbashree.

'Women Entrepreneurs, Driving Forces for Social Change' was the topic of the discussion moderated by Dr. Nirmala Sanu George, Development Consultant. Ms. Binitha Thambi, who is an IIT Professor, said that women entrepreneurs can face the challenges created by the patriarchal system. She also opined that a system should be established in Kudumbashree itself to study the problems of entrepreneurs who are not able to achieve success in Kudumbashree where there are many good entrepreneurs. Ms. Geethu Mohandas, the founder of 'Let's Go for a Camp', Women's Travel Group who started her love of travel through her first trip to Nilambur during her 5th grade, shared her experience of traveling and also talked about the marketing opportunities for Kudumbashree entrepreneurs in the tourism sector.

Ms. Bhagirathi, a Kudumbashree entrepreneur, shared her joy that the Nutrimix unit, which was started with a desire to start her own business, has grown to a turnover of around Rs 2.5 crores per annum today. After completing her degree and PG with Kudumbashree's encouragement, Bhagirathi is now trying to get her Ph.D. She is an inspiration and a guide to many in her sixties. Ms. Sandhya, a farmer and woman entrepreneur, shared her happiness that by giving up teaching and coming to agriculture, she was able to provide employment to many women around her. Ms. Vijaya, who was battling cancer, said that it was Kudumbashree that made her stand on the stage after 20 years and she used to forget about her illness amidst the activities of the Technoworld IT unit. She shared the joy of successfully progressing her venture with the help of Kudumbashree NHGs. Ms. Rumana, owner of Meat and Egg Exports, Ms. Jiby Varghese, Mentor, Kudumbashree National Resource Organization also shared his Kudumbashree experiences in the discussion.

The third discussion on 'Crime and Violence Prevention' moderated by Ms. Nishanthini IP. S, Rural DIG discussed a very topical issue. Along with Ms. Aaj Sudarshan, Special Judge, POCSO Court, Ms. Chelsasini. V IAS, CEO Gender Park, Ms. Josephine (Kerala State Planning Board), Adv. Sreela Menon, Nirbhaya State Coordinator, Ms. Rajani, Kudumbashree Community Counsellor, Ms. Savithri V.L, Gender Resource Person and Ms. Sunitha, Mentor, NRO became part of the discussion. 

As part of the three-day-long Kudumbashree Silver Jubilee celebrations, the panel discussions organized on the second day, 16 May 2023, at the Putharikandam Maidan, Thiruvananthapuram were noteworthy. The first panel discussed the topic 'Role of Kudumbashree as a Social Organization to Combat Climate Change'. Ms. Aruna Roy, Magsaysay Award Winner & Environmentalist said that Kudumbashree, which deals effectively with all social issues should ensure effective participation in climate change issues as well. Ms. Sarada Muraleedharan IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala moderated the discussion. Ms. Amrita Bhattacharya, Environmental Activist and Tribal Rights Activist, Ms. Mini Sukumar, Member, State Planning Board, Ms. Sasikala, Mentor, Kudumbashree National Resource Organization, Ms. Anila, Secretary, Harithakarmasena Vadakara Consortium and Ms. Reena Suresh, President, Guruvayoor Harithakarmasena  Participated in the panel discussion.

Ms. Aruna Roy also conducted the online release of the book 'Ayaluravukal-Oru Kudumbashree Yathra' written by Shri. Sajith Sukumaran, Chief Operating Officer, Kudumbashree National Resource Organization.  The first copy of the book was received by Ms. Sarada Muraleedharan IAS from Ms. Aishabi, Kudumbashree's youngest CDS Chairperson.

Dr. Sharmila Mary Joseph IAS, Principal Secretary, Local Self-Government Department, Government of Kerala moderated the panel discussion on the theme of 'Finding a Full Life Beyond the Formal Work Framework'. Dr. Khadija Mumtaz, Gynecologist, Writer & Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award Winner, shared about how she was able to study and become a doctor with the support of her mother, and how she became a writer with the habit of reading from a young age, amidst the difficult childhood. Ms Anitha Thampi, Director, Technical & Operations, HLL Lifecare Ltd and Poet said that she became a wanderlust by seeing an airplane flying in the sky. The audience was surprised with the experiences of Ms. Mohana Vijayan, a tea shop owner who has traveled to 26 countries during this time. Ms. Sonia Giri, Chairperson, Irinjalakuda Municipality & Actress, Ms. Brijeena, Snehatheeram CDS Community Counsellor and Folk Song Artist, Ms. Yashoda, Kudumbashree Balasabha Resource Person, Craftsman and Theatre Actress also participated in this panel discussion. A book written by Ms. Anjana, Kudumbashree Haripad Block Coordinator of Alappuzha district, titled 'Some wounds that overcome forgetfulness', was also released at the function.

Ms. Subhashini Ali, Ms. Smithaben Bhatnagar, Ms. Sathidevi, Ms. K.G. Rajeshwari, Ms. Baby Balakrishnan, Ms. C.S. Sreeja and Ms. Rathi Marath participated in the Panel Discussion on 'Enabling Women's Associations - Social Perspective and Legal Mechanisms' moderated by  Ms. Liz Mathew, Political Writer. The discussion on the topic 'Steps towards Social Inclusion - Hopes and Dilemmas of Women's Communities' was moderated by Ms. Shyama S Prabha. Padmashree K.V. Rabia, Padmashree Laxmikutty Amma, Ms. Tiffany Brar, Ms. Yasmin Arimbra, and Ms. P.A. Razeena were part of these discussions. Following the Panel Discussions, Cultural Programmes were also staged.

Kudumbashree's YouTube Million Plus Subscription Campaign, a special campaign to increase the subscription of Kudumbashree's official YouTube channel has been launched. Shri. M. B Rajesh, Minister of Local Self-Government and Excise Department Government of Kerala announced the campaign during the press conference held at Hotel SP Grand Days, Thiruvananthapuram on 3 May 2023.

The campaign aims to convert 46 lakh Kudumbashree families and public into subscribers of the Kudumbashree YouTube channel, thereby bringing Kudumbashree's, the State Poverty Eradication Mission's various project activities, to the grassroots in an effective manner.

Currently, Kudumbashree's YouTube channel has 1.39 lakh subscribers. In order to reach the various projects of Kudumbashree to the people, quality videos will be prepared and shared through YouTube and special programmes focused on Kudumbashree NHGs etc will be conducted as part of the campaign. Also, the extensive celebrations organized in Thiruvananthapuram on 15, 16 and 17 May 2023 to mark the 25th anniversary of Kudumbashree will be conveyed to the maximum number of people through the YouTube channel.

At the press conference, the minister also announced that ten lakh Kudumbashree women have become members of the Kudumbashree Jeevan Deepam Oruma Insurance Scheme for NHG family members. So far 11,28,381 women have become members of the scheme. The Minister distributed a cash award  of Rs 15,000 and certificate to Kochi West CDS, which enrolled the most members in this insurance scheme, and to the Edakkattuvayal Gram Panchayat of Ernakulam district, which achieved the highest percentage of those enrolled. Kudumbashree Ernakulam District Mission which enrolled maximum number of members was given the certificate. 

The Minister also announced at the function that Kerala has been recognized for the sixth consecutive time in the SPARK Ranking instituted by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to assess the excellence of National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) project implementation.

Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director,  Kudumbashree, Shri.  Jahamgeer A, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, Shri. P. Radhakrishnan, Regional Manager, Shri. Prem Kumar S, Senior Divisional Manager, LIC, and Shri. Shaji Wilson, Director, State Insurance also participated in the press conference.

YouTube Link - www.youtube.com/@KudumbashreeKerala

With the strength of twenty-five years of Kudumbashree experiences, NHG members came together and shared their experiences in the talk show 'Ormakalumayi Ithiri Neram' organized by the National Saras Mela being held at Kollam. They shared their experiences about the Kudumbashree that made them the person they are today.  They also shared inspirational stories of survival for the new generation.

Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree inaugurated the memory sharing session and gathering arranged for the early- former CDS Chairpersons of Kollam district on 1 May 2023. Former CDS Chairpersons described the difficulties they faced when they went out for NHG activities in the early days and were able to be a part of the activities that enable them to become a shade for poor families. More than two hundred former CDS Chairpersons participated in the meeting.

Before joining Kudumbashree, she had to ask her husband for money for anything, but after becoming an entrepreneur in Kudumbashree, she was able to earn her own income and from that day till now, she has been able to stand on her own feet, said Ms. Vasanthi, the eldest member who took part in the programme, CDS member and entrepreneur who hails from Trikadavoor. Her words were received by the audience with great applause. Ms. Hani, who was the former mayor of Kollam and the early CDS Chairperson, said that it was because of the strength given by Kudumbashree activities that she learned to get rid of the sense of inferiority given by poor living conditions and to identify himself, to ask for rights and even reach till the position of the Mayor of Kollam Corporation. 

 Ms. A. Ambika, Ms. Aruna Devi, Ms. Prasanna Kumari, Ms. Shirley Sathyadevan, Ms. Mini Jose Prakash and Ms. Shakuntala, Kudumbashree former CDS Chairpersons and later elected representatives in three-tier panchayat elections  participated in the programme and shared their Kudumbashree experience stories. Shri. Vimal Chandran, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Kollam District Mission welcomed the gathering and Ms. Beena R, District Programme Manager delivered the vote of thanks. 

Ms. J. Chinchurani, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, Government of Kerala inaugurated the 'Saras Thadesha Sangamam' held on 1 May 2023. The Kudumbashree movement in Kerala is a model for the countries of the world through its systematic work at all three levels. The Minister said. By acting as a banking system, Kudumbashree has helped Kerala reach heights in economic, cultural and health sectors. She added. Performing art programs led by various CDSs and comedy show led by Shri. Guinness Pakru, Famous Film Star took place on 1 May 2023, the fifth day of the fair.

The Orchid NHG of Moopainad Panchayath of Wayanad district is proving by its own actions that garbage disposal is the responsibility of every citizen and they should not wait for anyone else to clean their house, surroundings and public spaces. They have compulsorily reserved one day in a week for cleaning Thalakkal town. They will start cleaning at 6 AM. All the plastic waste in Thalakkal town is collected, sorted and bagged and are handed over to Harithakarmasena.

They have also made Kudumbashree Balasabha members a part of the cleaning campaign. They have also installed boards in the town stating that legal action will be taken against  throwing garbage in public places. Also warning lights against littering are provided in all the shops in the town.

The National Saras Mela has been kickstarted at the Ashramam Ground, Kollam on 27 April 2023. Shri. M. B Rajesh, Minister, Local Self Government of Kerala inaugurated the Saras Mela and Ms. J. Chinchurani, Minister, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, Government of Kerala presided over the function. Entry to the fair, which runs till May 07, is free.

In the inaugural speech, the Minister said that Kudumbashree is a great movement of women's power and the role of Kudumbashree in poverty alleviation is huge. In the presidential address, Ms. J. Chinchurani said that Kudumbashree has become the flag bearer of development and she pointed out that the role of Kudumbashree in economic and social empowerment is great.

Inauguration of the pavilion with 250 stalls lined up for display and sale of the products of rural entrepreneurs of India was done by Shri. Mukesh, MLA. Whereas, Ms. Prasanna Earnest, Mayor  inaugurated the food court with 30 stalls where one can experience the variety of flavors of different states of the country. Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree welcomed the gathering. Ms. Sharmila Mary Joseph IAS, Principal Secretary, Local Self-Government Department explained the programme. 

Shri. N.K. Premachandran MP, Shri. M. Naushad, MLA, Shri. Sujith Vijayan Pillai, MLA, Shri. P.K. Gopan, President, District Panchayath, Ms. Sreeja Harish, Vice President, District Panchayath, Shri. Kollam Madhu, Deputy Mayor, Shri. K. Harsha Kumar, President, Block Panchayath Association, Shri. C. Unnikrishnan, President, Grama Panchayat Association, Shri. S.R. Ramesh, Chairman, Kottarakkara Municipality, Ms Honey, Chairperson, Corporation Standing Committee, Ms. Afsana Parveen IAS, District Collector, Kollam, Shri. Mukund Thakur IAS, Sub Collector, Ms. S. Sajithanand, Councilor, Ms. Sindhu Vijayan, CDS Chairperson and Shri. R Vimal Chandran, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Kollam District Mission also participated in the function.  After the opening ceremony, musical programme led by Shri. Ritu Krishnan was also held.

Mega Thiruvathira

The Mega Thiruvathira presented by the Kudumbashree CDSs of Kollam district on the commencement of the National Saras Mela stand out unique. 7400 people from 74 CDSs of the district participated in Mega Thiruvathira. Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree inaugurated Mega Thiruvathira by lighting the lamp. The song composed for Thiruvathira was full of historical passages of 25 years to mark the silver jubilee of Kudumbashree. The song was composed by Ajitha, a native of Kadakkal and a Kudumbashree member.

After Kochi Rail Metro, Kudumbashree's female power is also extending services in Kochi Water Metro, which is writing a new history of development in the field of public transport in Kerala. 30 Kudumbashree women have been appointed for housekeeping and ticketing jobs in Kochi Water Metro. Kudumbashree achieved another proud achievement on 25 April 2023 when Shri. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India dedicated the water metro connecting the ten islands of Kochi to the nation. Before this, Kudumbashree women were also given the complete management responsibility of various sections of Kochi Rail Metro.

18 of the Kudumbashree women selected to provide various services to the water metro passengers are appointed in the ticketing section and 12 are posted in the housekeeping section. The first service was on 26 April 2023 from High Court Terminal to Vypin and back. The service on Vyttila-Kakkanad route was started on  27 April 2023. More women may get a chance on the water metro as the services are expanded to match the rush.

Members of various NHGs in Kochi East, South, Mulavukad and Elamkunnappuzha CDS are responsible for providing various services in the water metro. The opportunity was arranged for them through the Kudumbashree Initiative for Business Solutions (KIBS) society. This system was formed to provide employment opportunities to Kudumbashree members according to their educational qualifications and to increase the labor participation of women. At present 262 women have been provided employment through KIBS in Vyttila Mobility Hub, Industries Department, KILA.

Kudumbashree women work in all 24 stations of the Kochi Rail Metro, which has created a revolutionary change in the public transport sector in the state. Currently there are 555 people working in Kochi Rail Metro. Their services are in the categories of housekeeping, ticketing, customer care service, help desk, customer facilitation service, setting up of garden and vegetable garden, kitchen, canteen and parking. They are appointed and supervised by the Facility Management Centre under Kudumbashree.

Shri. M.B Rajesh, Minister, Local Self-Government Department and Excise Department, Government of Kerala has announced that 17 May will be observed as Kudumbashree Day in the state from this year onwards. The Minister was speaking at the state-level inauguration of the 'Jaivasamskruthi 2023' project and the announcement of the project. The minister said that it was the Kudumbashree movement of half a crore women that turned Kerala into a land of poverty eradication. The Minister added that Kudumbashree should carry out activities for the next 25 years to achieve the goal of increasing income from poverty eradication.

It is Kudumbashree which brought women to public spaces. There is a lot of credibility for Kudumbashree products among people. So Kudumbashree can play an important role to increase the productivity of Kerala. This organization can also find a market for the agricultural products produced. Revolutionary change can be brought about through local development via Kudumbashree. The Minister said. The minister also commented that this movement has become popular in all areas to the extent that the modern world life is divided into two before and after Kudumbashree. The Minister added that Kudumbashree should also carry out activities linking waste management with organic farming.

The minister informed that steps will be taken to provide the subsidy for the Janakeeya Hotel within a week and that the government is with Kudumbashree. The minister also done the poster release of Agri Nutri Garden Campaign 2023-24, video release, poster-video release of Balasabha Suchithwolsavam Campaign, Green Card distribution to Balasabha members etc.

Shri. Xavier Chitilappilly, MLA, who presided over the function, said that it was because of the Kudumbashree movement that women's participation in the local self-government bodies could be increased. Shri. PK Davis Master, President, District Panchayath delivered the keynote address at the function held at Telcon Convention Centre, Pannithadam. Shri. K.R Jojo, Member, Kudumbashree Governing Body and President, Aloor Grama Panchayath President was the chief guest of the function.

Ms. Latha Chandran, Vice President, District Panchayath, Ms. Ancy Williams, President, Chowvannur Block Panchayath, Shri. S. Basanthlal, President, Panchayat Association, Ms Meena Sajan, Ms. E.S Reshma, Ms. Mini Jayan, Ms. Chithra Vinobaji, Adv. K Ramakrishnan, Ms. Rekha Sunil, Panchayat Presidents, Shri. Jalil Adoor, Ms. Padmam Venugopal, Members, District Panchayath, Shri. K.K Mani, Member, Block Panchayath, Ms. Seibunisa Sharfuddin, Ward Member Dr A. Sajeev Kumar, Programme Officer, State Mission, Ms. Souparnika Subhash, Serial Actor, CDS Members, Kudumbashree Staff, District Mission Staff, People's Representatives and others participated in the programme. 

Shri. S.C Nirmal District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission welcomed the gathering and Ms. Vidya Unnikrishnan, CDS Chairperson Vellore CDS delivered the vote of thanks. As part of the programme, there were seminars led by agricultural experts, farmers' meet, cultural programmes etc. Exhibition and marketing fair of agricultural value added products was also organized.

Agri Nutri Garden Campaign is the project implemented in the state under the joint leadership of the Government of Kerala and Kudumbashree State Mission. The project aims to achieve food self-sufficiency by leading women in rural CDSs towards agriculture. The Kudumbashree members of all the village CDSs of the districts have participated in this project, which aims at bringing 10 lakh women into agriculture to mold a healthy society through the use of non-toxic and nutrient rich vegetables and fruits.

Kudumbashree is arranging an opportunity for prominent machinery manufacturers to participate in the Kudumbashree Machinery-Tech Expo organized by Kudumbashree as part of the Kudumbashree Micro Enterprise Conclave. The programme will be held at Samra International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Kalamassery, Ernakulam on 22-23 April 2023.

The aim of the conclave is to guide Kudumbashree enterprises towards holistic development. More than 1500 micro-entrepreneurs will participate in the conclave. The Kudumbashree Machinery-Tech Expo will be a platform to showcase machines and equipments used in various sectors including manufacturing and service sectors. Through this, Kudumbashree entrepreneurs will be acquainted with the latest trends in modern machinery, working methods and technology and thereby enable entrepreneurial development.

The expo is being organized as a part of uplifting more than one lakh micro enterprises operating across the state under Kudumbashree. The expo will provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs to get to know and familiarize themselves with modern machinery and innovative technology. It can increase production and increase income in less time. The expo will help entrepreneurs to brand their products, improve their customer base, customer relations, and thus achieve better professionalism.

Leading machinery manufacturers, authorized machine suppliers, various banking and financial institutions and their agencies,  Research and training institutes, professional associations, trade promotion organizations, technical corporation agencies and other organizations participating in the conclave will also get a great opportunity through the expo.

For details visit the link www.kudumbashree.org/expo2023.

Kudumbashree members are ready to go to any extent to make our state garbage free. A good example of this is the activities of the 'Lightning Army'  at Ramamangalam in Ernakulam district. The  'Lightning Army' of NHG members formed in Ramamangalam Panchayat as part of Kudumbashree's crime mapping and vigilant group activities to prevent violence against women and children is now effectively dealing with the waste problem plaguing the state.

They are making interventions to monitor those who tend to throw garbage on roadsides at night and find them and bring this problem to the attention of the concerned authorities. The members of the 'Lightning Army' of respective wards of Ramamangalam Panchayat are vigilant round the clock, focusing on the places where garbage is dumped.

The operation is done in such a way that those who throw garbage at night are caught with evidence and are brought to the attention of the authorities. Litterers face fines and legal action. The  'Lightning Army'   conducted surveillance from 8 PM to 6 AM at Ward 5 and 13 to prevent those who come to deposit garbage including Ramamangalam riverside, on 12 April 2023. People who came to dump garbage were stopped and the message was given about the ill effects of dumping garbage in the river. And the garbage was collected back by the person who threw it away.

The surveillance was conducted by Ms. Manju Pratap, Ms. Lima Benny, Ms. Daisy Santhosh, Ms. Shiny Saji and Ms. Soumya Subhash, 'Lightning Army'   members under the leadership of Ms. Sheeba Yohannan, CDS Chairperson, Ramamangalam CDS  in ward 5 and 13.