Page 37 - Mann Ki Baat - English May 2022

Virpanai Angadi in his ‘Mann ki
Baat’ address. Brinda, who works
in a Women SHG, thanked the
Prime Minister on behalf of all the
SHGs that are currently associated
with the initiative. “Although it has
been only three months since
we started, our operations have
grown quite a lot. A number of
other SHGs have approached
us to sell their products. Since
the Prime Minister mentioned us,
people from outside have come
in search of us to buy things. After
the news came out, we recorded Apart from Thanjavur Dolls,
a large quantity of sales (and) these SHGs also craft toys,
our income has gone up.” bronze lamps, mats, bags, and
artificial jewellery. Manimekalai,
Although the SHGs are skilled
another SHG member working
artistically, marketing and sales
with the initiative, also shared
of their products wasn’t easy
her views. “Our sales and income
for them. The primary purpose
have gone up after the Prime
of this initiative was to help
Minister mentioned us (in ‘Mann
these women sell their products
ki Baat’). This is an opportunity
directly to the customers. The
not only for us but also for all
stores of Women SHGs have now
those who produce these items
opened at prime locations in
to earn good income,” she said.
Thanjavur and these women are
Manimekalai also thanked the
taking full responsibility for their
Prime Minister. “(His) praise is
upkeep. The women associated
a matter of joy for us. This is a
with the initiative are ecstatic
victory for all SHGs,” she added.
that they are now known across
the country. Their sales have
increased since then and they
To know more about
are soon planning to set up a
Thanjavur's SHG,
sales outlet at Thanjavur railway
scan the QR code
station.

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