Nayagarh SHG Brings Glory to Odisha with National SARAS Mela Top Prize
Bhubaneswar: Bringing laurels to Odisha on the national stage, Narayan SHG from Nayagarh district has won the First Prize in the Non-Agricultural Handicrafts Category at the national-level SARAS Mela held in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
The self-help group from Gania block earned recognition for its exceptional contribution to the promotion and preservation of Odisha’s traditional wooden toy-making craft.
The achievement highlights the rich handicraft heritage of the state and the growing impact of women-led entrepreneurship in rural Odisha.
Led by Pramila Maharana, a renowned “Maha Lakhpati Didi,” the group has established itself as a successful model of empowerment through traditional handicrafts.
Its members have been actively engaged in producing and marketing handcrafted wooden toys, helping preserve a centuries-old art form while generating sustainable livelihoods for rural women.
The accomplishment has drawn widespread appreciation across the state.
The Chief Minister’s Office, Odisha, congratulated the SHG for showcasing Odisha’s traditional art and cultural heritage at the national level through dedication, hard work, and innovation.
The recognition at SARAS Mela underscores the crucial role played by women’s self-help groups in promoting rural entrepreneurship, preserving traditional crafts, and contributing to economic self-reliance.
The award is expected to inspire more women-led enterprises across Odisha to explore national markets and strengthen indigenous handicraft industries.
