SIDBI Swavalamban Mela” 2023 At Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Bengaluru

Small Industries Development Bank of India [SIDBI], in association with Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Karnataka organised “1st edition of Swavalamban Mela” at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Bengaluru.    

Shri. VSV Rao, Deputy Managing Director, SIDBI inaugurated the event which was also graced by Smt. Sathyabhama C, IAS, Director, MSME, GoK.  The theme of the mela was “Revive, Preserve and Promote Namma Artisans”.  DMD, in his address, highlighted the objective of organising Mela which aims to empower micro entrepreneurs/artisans/SHGs through a) Market exposure & access b) Financial and digital literacy, handholding support for onboarding over e-commerce platforms. c) Credit Connect (for financial requirements during the event or even after that); d) Connect with State level Handloom and Textile Handicraft Departments for easing artisans market access. 

The Mela started with the traditional folk dances of Karnataka viz., Huli Vesha & Dollu kunitha.  The valedictory event was chaired by Kum. Sunanda Batra, GM, FIDD, RBI, Bengaluru. To promote the traditional saree draping styles of Karnataka, a fashion show was also organised during the event.  

Overall, more than 130 artisans participated representing most of the districts of the state and comprising from different segments of the society.  In addition to this, SIDBI also facilitated creating awareness about e-commerce and helped them in onboarding the ONDC platform.