The Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025, an initiative of the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), concluded its successful run at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on January 9, 2025. The event, which took place from January 4 to 9, showcased the vibrant spirit of Rural India, often regarded as the soul of the nation.
The festival featured a rich tapestry of rural enterprises, handicrafts, and agricultural innovations, with participants from across the country coming together to display the fruits of their labour. One of the highlights of the Mahotsav was the participation of the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), which set up three stalls to promote rural businesses. Among them, the Mukti stall drew significant attention for its unique range of products and its community-driven approach.
Mukti’s SWAS 2.0, a project supported by SIDBI, featured a diverse collection of goods representing the artisanal prowess of rural West Bengal. The stall was jointly represented by two women entrepreneurs: Mou Sardar from Basanti Block and Nandini Maity from Pathar Pratima Block, both of whom showcased their craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit.
Visitors to the Mukti stall were treated to an array of local products, including imitation jewellery, intricately crafted shola products (traditional art made from the soft wood of the shola tree), and processed food items. These products not only highlighted the rich cultural heritage of West Bengal but also underscored the potential of rural businesses to thrive in the modern marketplace.
The event was inaugurated by the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, who praised the efforts of rural entrepreneurs and emphasized the importance of initiatives like the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav in showcasing the progress and potential of India’s rural sector. The Prime Minister’s presence added a special significance to the occasion, highlighting the government’s commitment to fostering rural development and financial inclusion.
Throughout the Mahotsav, various stalls and exhibitions featured innovations in agriculture, sustainable business practices, and rural craft, with a focus on empowerment through entrepreneurship. The event provided a platform for rural artisans and small-scale industries to connect with urban markets and investors, ultimately driving the vision of an inclusive and self-reliant India.
The participation of SIDBI, particularly the inclusion of Mukti, demonstrated the vital role of financial institutions in nurturing rural talent and fostering sustainable livelihoods. Through such events, rural India is given the opportunity to showcase its ingenuity, cultural richness, and economic potential, proving that it remains the backbone of India’s future growth.
As Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 came to a close, the event was hailed as a major step forward in strengthening the bond between rural and urban India, while empowering local communities and promoting the values of self-reliance and innovation across the country.
Gallery link: https://muktiweb.org/gallery/album/mukti-participates-at-the-grameen-bharat-mahotsav-2025