The ongoing Saras Aajeevika Mela at Gurugram Sector 29 is an opportunity for visitors to explore things that are not common in the vicinity. People here enthusiastically enquire about and buy handmade products and artefacts. Similarly, a stall packed with handmade bamboo and jute products is attracting the eyeballs of visitors.
Raina, a young, beautiful woman from Manipur, solely manages the items and handles customers apart from satisfying people’s queries. “People show interest in our products and most of them purchase these goods. Jute bags are the most sought-after products and draw customers from every age group,” she said.
She sells handmade jute and bamboo products, including bags, baskets, decorative artificial flowers, handbags, stoles, etc.
Raina, the daughter of a cattle farmer, completed her post-graduation in Sociology from Manipur University and was looking for career options. Being the second eldest among six siblings, she couldn’t wait for long, and one day in mid-2024, some members of a self-help group (SHG) visited their village.
“They told us how these SHGs work. We were not financially capable of starting a business, and our place has limited employment opportunities. They assured us they would provide financial assistance to help us become self-reliant. I found it apt for myself and decided to step in,” Raina narrated her story.
“It’s been only one and a half years, and I earn a good amount sitting at home,” she said, declining to disclose her income.
Asked about how Saras Aajeevika Mela has helped her grow her business, she replied, “Sales have amplified. I have also participated in Saras Melas in other states, but Gurugram turned out to be a great opportunity for me. Moreover, the additional 10 per cent discount has boosted the business.
“People demand more discounts, but I have limits. Still, I try to make them happy.”
Safety and security at top
The Saras Aajeevika Mela entered its eighth day on Tuesday, successfully completing half journey of the event.
“Law and order are in place, and not even a single unwanted incident has been reported to us from the mela premises so far, except for a mobile phone that was lost and later found lying under a table,” said a senior police official deployed at the fair.
Over 300 CCTV cameras are installed and a dedicated control room has been set up to ensure safety of visitors’ as well as exhibitors’.
