Punjab Sakhi Shakti Mela begins to help rural women entrepreneurs with NABARD support
Ferozepur, March 7, 2026: A three-day Punjab Sakhi Shakti Mela organised on the occasion of International Women’s Day began at the mela ground near Sheetla Mata Temple in Ferozepur Cantonment. The mela was inaugurated by Lindhiya L. N., IAS, Assistant Commissioner (General), Ferozepur.
The fair is being organised with the joint support of the District Industries Centre (DIC), Punjab State Rural Livelihood Mission (PSRLM), National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the RAMP programme and the World Bank. The aim of the event is to promote women entrepreneurship and strengthen rural economic activities.
Among those present on the occasion were Deep Singh Gill, General Manager, DIC Ferozepur; Sukhraj Singh Virk, Functional Manager, DIC; Sudhir Sidhu, AGM, Reserve Bank of India; Geeta, Lead District Manager; and Rohit Kashyap, District Development Manager, NABARD. Officials of PSRLM, bankers, members of the Centre for Financial Literacy and a large number of women entrepreneurs from Self-Help Groups also attended the event.
Addressing the gathering, Assistant Commissioner Lindhiya L. N. appreciated the initiative and said that such platforms help rural women entrepreneurs get new markets and recognition for their products.
Rohit Kashyap, DDM NABARD, said that NABARD is celebrating International Women’s Day this year in the spirit of the International Year of Women Farmers by organising such district-level events with the support of various institutions. He said that dignitaries, artists and participants are being honoured with handmade products prepared by women of Self-Help Groups.
He added that several dignitaries were invited through personalised invitations made with traditional Phulkari products, which not only showcased the skills of rural women but also encouraged innovation in design and quality. This initiative will help women entrepreneurs of this border district connect with wider markets.
The three-day fair, being held from March 6 to March 8, has more than 100 stalls set up by around 60 Self-Help Groups. Traditional handicrafts, handmade products, organic vegetables and other rural products are being displayed. Financial literacy activities and cultural performances by dance groups from different parts of North India are also major attractions of the mela.
The mela will conclude on March 8 on the occasion of International Women’s Day.