Questions raised over reports that women from Self-Help Groups were invited citing the Chief Minister’s proposed visit; Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat attended as the chief guest
Almora: The relevance and effectiveness of Saras Mela 2026 have come under scrutiny, with questions being raised over whether the event is fulfilling its core objective of promoting local products and empowering rural women or merely focusing on ceremonial gatherings and public participation.
For years, Saras Mela has served as an important platform for women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs), local producers and rural entrepreneurs to showcase and market their products. The event is intended to strengthen the rural economy, encourage self-employment and provide wider market access to traditional and locally made products.
However, discussions surrounding the participation of women in this year’s event have raised concerns about whether these objectives are being adequately addressed.
According to reports and discussions, some women associated with Self-Help Groups were invited to attend the programme on the information that the Chief Minister would be visiting. However, Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat attended the event as the chief guest.
This has raised questions about whether the Chief Minister’s proposed visit was cited while inviting women and whether they were informed about any subsequent changes in the programme. The organisers should clarify the circumstances surrounding these claims.
Success Should Be Measured by Sales, Not Attendance
The success of Saras Mela should not be measured merely by the number of people attending the inaugural ceremony or the presence of dignitaries on the stage. Its real success lies in the economic benefits delivered to participating women and local producers.
How many Self-Help Groups received an opportunity to showcase their products? How much business was generated? How many women gained new customers? And how many local products were connected to sustainable markets?
These are the indicators that should determine the effectiveness of the event.
If a large number of women are brought together but their products do not receive adequate promotion, marketing support or sales opportunities, the very purpose of the event deserves reconsideration.
Women’s Empowerment Must Go Beyond Speeches
Women in the hills of Uttarakhand play a significant role in the rural economy through agriculture, animal husbandry, handicrafts, traditional food products and small-scale businesses.
For them, such events should offer more than ceremonial participation. They should provide opportunities to interact with officials, explain their challenges, improve product quality and packaging, develop branding strategies and connect with wider markets.
Merely ensuring their presence at a government programme cannot be considered meaningful women’s empowerment.
Accountability and Assessment Are Essential
Since Saras Mela involves public resources and the participation of several government departments, a transparent assessment of its achievements is equally important.
The administration and organisers should make available details regarding the number of participating Self-Help Groups, local producers, stalls, total sales and the direct economic benefits received by women.
The presence of senior administrative officials, including Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat, also creates an opportunity to address the concerns of women entrepreneurs and take concrete steps towards improving market access for local products.
The Original Purpose Must Remain the Priority
Saras Mela represents the culture, traditions, local products and entrepreneurial spirit of the hill communities. Its identity should not be reduced to stage programmes, ceremonial functions and crowd management.
The real question is not about the arrival or absence of a particular dignitary. It is about whether the event has fulfilled the purpose for which it was conceived.
If women were invited citing the proposed visit of the Chief Minister, the organisers should clarify the matter. More importantly, they should explain what tangible opportunities were provided to women for promoting and selling their products.
Ultimately, the success of Saras Mela should not be judged by the crowd gathered to welcome dignitaries, but by the improved earnings of the woman whose products find a market, whose hard work receives recognition and who gets a genuine opportunity to become financially independent.
That is the true spirit of Saras Mela, and it must remain its foremost priority.
