Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 14: A preparatory meeting was held under the chairmanship of Shri. Arjun Sharma, IAS, Secretary, Rural Development (RD) & Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman yesterday to review and coordinate arrangements with various line Departments for the upcoming SARAS Festival 2025, scheduled to be held from Nov. 17 to 23, 2025.
The SARAS Festival is a flagship event showcasing rural India’s rich diversity in handicrafts, handlooms, and traditional food products, providing a vibrant platform for Self Help Groups (SHGs) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) to exhibit and sell their products. The SARAS in the Islands will be the first programme which will be arranged by the NRLM section under the aegis of Directorate of RD.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held with all concerned Departments to ensure smooth conduct of the festival. Key focus areas which included venue readiness and infrastructure arrangements, security, sanitation, and health facilities, stall layout, logistics and transport, cultural programs and media outreach etc.
The Secretary emphasized the importance of inter-departmental coordination to maintain the high standards of the event and ensure a seamless experience for participants and visitors. Departments have been directed to finalize their action plans and extend full cooperation in the successful conduct of the festival.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmed commitment from all stakeholders to make SARAS Festival 2025 a grand success, celebrating the spirit of rural entrepreneurship and women-led development.