Reviving Our Culture Through Food: "Shakti Organisation's Forgotten Food Festival"

In a world where traditional practices are often overlooked, Shakti Organisation recently organized a Block Level Event on "Shree Anna and the Forgotten Food Festival" at the SRDTC Training Hall in Ramanaguda. Attendees included agriculture staff from the Ramanaguda Block, ADPC representatives from WASSAN, Mission Shakti members, local leaders, progressive farmers, and women’s self-help groups (WSHGs).

This initiative focuses on the importance of traditional foods and the role of millets in our diets. The event brought together local farmers, agriculture staff, and women’s self-help groups, encouraging discussions about the health benefits of forgotten foods and promoting their use in everyday meals. The event featured a showcase of kanda jatiya forgotten foods and vegetables.

A cooking competition saw the participation of the DPMU team, Agricultural Officers, internship students, and WSHG members in preparing millet-based recipes. Maa Manikeshwari SHG won first prize, while Maa Majhigouri SHG secured second place for their innovative millet tiffins.

The Forgotten Food Festival reminds us that our heritage is not just in our stories, but also on our plates.

Celebrating Ageing with Dignity: International Elders Day 2024

Shakti Senior Citizens’ Home in Rayagada marked the International Elders Day 2024 with joy and vibrancy! 

The event brought together esteemed guests included enthusiastic students from Vignan Vidyalaya, and dedicated NCC cadets from Rayagada Women’s College.

Our Chief Guest, Mr. Subrata Acharya, Secretary of DLSA, highlighted that "Ageing with dignity" is not just a slogan; it’s a vital call to action. He shared important legal provisions that protect our senior citizens, emphasizing their rights and dignity.

The Chief Speaker, Mr. Binod Panda, encouraged us to look beyond age and recognize the wealth of wisdom and stories that our elders hold. He reminded us that we should create a society where seniors are not only cared for but celebrated for their invaluable contributions.

Mr. Akhil Panda, General Secretary, beautifully encapsulated the day’s essence, stating that the International Day of Elderly Persons is not just a celebration, but a reaffirmation of our commitment to their dignity and well-being. “Our elderly are the bearers of our culture and the living history of our society,” he remarked.

The event culminated in an exciting dance performance by the students of Vignan Vidyalaya and the NCC cadets, who filled the atmosphere with joy and energy. Our seniors at Shakti Senior Citizens’ Home participated wholeheartedly, making it a truly memorable celebration.

Among others Lecturer of Women’s College Mrs. Ritarani Sahu and Director, Shakti Organisation Mr. Ramesh Chandra Nayak participated in the deliberation and Superintendent of the SSCH  Mr. Sangram Patanaik co-ordinated the event.

Let’s continue to honour and cherish our elders, recognizing their role as pillars of our community! #InternationalEldersDay #AgeingWithDignity #RayagadaCelebrates #RespectOurElders

 

Three-Day MEG Management and Business Planning Training at Block Office

Three-day Block  level program at Block office, in all the Blocks. MEG management and business plan Training SS level at Block level 

Shakti Organisation fostering economic development and empowering local communities. As part of our MPOWERD PROJECT, we recently conducted a transformative three-day training program on Micro Enterprise Group (MEG) management and business planning with Smart Sakhi at block level for SHG groups. This initiative was held at Ramanaguda Block and aimed to equip local leaders with essential skills to support and manage micro enterprises effectively.

The training program was part of Shakti Organisation’s Mpowerd project with the help of TrickelUp India Foundation, which focuses on empowering women and strengthening local economies. The three-day event provided a deep dive into crucial aspects of MEG management and business planning, ensuring participants are well-prepared to drive successful micro enterprises within their communities.

Day 1:-The first day of the training was dedicated to preparing participants for entrepreneurship. Key topics included “Assessing Business Readiness” Where they learn Evaluating personal readiness and understanding the prerequisites for starting a business. “Identifying Business Opportunities”, business ideas and assessing market needs within the community. “Initial Planning” for Setting clear objectives and anticipating potential challenges.

Day2:- On the second day, the focus was on crafting detailed business plans. Participants learned about “Marketing Plans” for Creating effective strategies for market entry, customer acquisition, and competitive positioning. “Organization & Management” for Understanding different business structures (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, cooperative) and their legal responsibilities. “Costing of Products/Services” Techniques for pricing products or services based on production costs and market rates. “Financial Planning” Developing budgets, cash flow statements, and financial projections to ensure business viability.

Day 3:- The final day addressed critical financial aspects necessary for business success. Topics covered included “Financial Planning” Developing comprehensive financial plans to manage resources, expenses, and revenue. “Sources of Start-Up Capital” Identifying and securing funding sources, such as grants, loans, and investment opportunities. “Financial Management” Best practices for bookkeeping, financial reporting, and cost control.

Through practical exercises and group discussions, participants learned how to effectively manage finances and secure the necessary capital for their ventures.

The training program was met with great enthusiasm and positive feedback from participants. The comprehensive curriculum and interactive approach provided valuable insights and practical skills that will significantly benefit local entrepreneurs. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in making this program a success.

The Smart Shakhi project’s focus on empowering women and supporting local economic development is making a tangible impact, and this training program is a testament to our commitment to fostering sustainable growth at the grassroots level.

Shakti Organisation remains dedicated to advancing local entrepreneurship and community development. The success of this block-level training is a step forward in our mission to empower individuals and strengthen economies. We look forward to continuing our efforts and driving positive change in our communities.