'Lakhpati Didis' showcase culinary delights at Delhi food festival

New Delhi, Dec 8 (IANS) The Saras Food Festival in the national capital's Baba Kharak Singh Marg is offering a wide array of lip-smacking dishes from across the country, thereby luring lots of food connoisseurs and gourmands to the venue. 

The one-of-its kind festival has turned Connaught Place into a bustling hub, as more than 300 dishes from across 25 states are on display here.

One of the key attractions of the food festival is the ‘Lakhpati Didis’ and their stalls offering culinary delights at the venue.

The food festival, organised by the Ministry of Rural Development, offers a rich palate of delectable dishes which include crispy Dal Baati Churma of Rajasthan, Hilsa of West Bengal, Telangana’s Dum Biryani, Odisha’s Mughlai Chicken and Punjab’s Sarson Ka Saag with Makki Ki Roti and more.

Saras Food Festival's focus is on women empowerment. About 150 women entrepreneurs and members of self-help groups (SHGs) including the ‘Lakhpati Didis’ are showcasing their culinary skills at the ongoing food festival.

Many of the ‘Lakhpati Didis’ said that they are grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government for enabling them to make a mark in the food business.

Manati Devnath, speaking to IANS, said that the Lakhpati Didi scheme has proved to be a boon for us.

“It is because of the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are earning considerable income and bringing change in our lives. Today we are standing on our feet, all this has been possible only with the help of PM Modi,” he said.

Another beneficiary named Saanvi said that first of all, we want to thank the Prime Minister.

“Earlier, we did not even come out of the house, but now we are living life standing on our feet. 'Lakhpati Didi' scheme has given us a golden opportunity to become self-reliant,” she said.

Another beneficiary said that the confidence we have gained after availing the benefit of this scheme is incredible.

“We also try to explain to other women in our community that if they believe in themselves, they can come out of any situation. Let us tell you that under the Lakhpati Didi Scheme, financial assistance, training and marketing support is provided to women SHGs so that they can develop their professional skills. Through this scheme, work is being done to empower millions of women across the country,” she said.

--IANS

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