Gargi Udyam Sakhi Sawan Mahotsav in Patna: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Across Bihar

Patna: In a significant event aimed at bolstering women’s entrepreneurship in Bihar, the ‘Gargi Udyam Sakhi Sawan Mahotsav’ was organized in Patna by the Gargi Chapter under the banner of Lets Inspire Bihar (LIB). The event saw the participation of over 700 women, with stalls set up by women entrepreneurs from Patna and other districts, providing a platform to showcase their skills and crafts, thereby promoting self-reliance and employment.

The key objective of the event was announced as the expansion of the Gargi Chapter to every Panchayat in Bihar by 2028. This initiative aims to enable every woman in Bihar to contribute to the state’s development by spreading the intellectual inspiration of Gargi, a revered symbol of women’s wisdom in Indian history.

During the event, various activities highlighted the role of women in nation-building, alongside showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Bihar. Competitions such as Sawan Queen, Princess, and Nanhi Pari added a vibrant touch to the festivities, reflecting India’s cultural diversity.

Addressing the gathering, the IPS officer and convenor of LIB, Vikas Vaibhav emphasized that “the creation of a developed Bihar within a developed India by 2047 is possible only with the active participation of women.” The Gargi Chapter has become a crucial ideological and social platform for determined and enlightened women across Bihar. The campaign has garnered the voluntary support of over 100,000 people, and the Gargi Chapter has made significant strides in education and self-employment initiatives. This includes offering free education to deprived students at 15 Gargi Pathshala centers in eight districts of Bihar and promoting self-employment among underprivileged women through Gargi Kala Kaushal Centers and Gargi Kritya.

The event also celebrated the achievements of women through the recognition of Gargi Sawan Queen, Gargi Sawan Princess, and Gargi Nanhi Pari, with Pitamma Sinha, Shruti Verma, and Anvi Anand taking home these titles, respectively. The jury included notable figures such as folk singer Neetu Kumari Nutan, RJ Rama, India Kenya Ruhi Singh, and Diva Prachi Pandey. Other distinguished guests included Dr. B. Priyam, Dr. Binda Singh, Dr. Poonam Chaudhary, and Amravati, among many other scholars.

The enthusiasm among the women attendees was palpable, with the program being coordinated by Dr. Preeti Bala, the main coordinator of the Gargi Chapter, alongside key contributors like Shayreen Iram, Neha Singh, Namrata Kumari, Bindu Chaudhary, Karishma, Anubhuti Verma, Shabnam Akhouri, and Reena Pandey.