A key highlight is the Aasha Bihan Bazaar outlet, strategically placed in the city to showcase Surguja’s rural treasures. Products like pure moringa powder, kacchi ghani mustard oil, jeera phool rice, and tikhur atta are now packaged under the ‘ChhattisKala’ label, making them irresistible to urban consumers. Online availability has further amplified their presence, allowing these handmade delights to reach far beyond district borders.

Aasha Devi’s journey exemplifies this change. Hailing from Kishun Nagar, she secured a Rs 5 lakh loan through the scheme, enabling her to establish a dedicated sales point. ‘No more struggling for a spot to sell; our pure village products now have a home,’ she says proudly. The store stocks only items crafted by local didis, ensuring authenticity and quality.

Vinay Agarwal, CEO of the District Panchayat, notes the strategic shift: ‘Lack of proper platforms stifled our products’ potential. ChhattisKala branding changes that, offering eye-catching packaging that appeals to modern buyers.’ This move is fostering inter-district trade, with Surguja’s specialties now available statewide.

The broader impact is profound. Families are gaining stability, villages are buzzing with economic activity, and women are breaking free from traditional roles. As the scheme scales, Chhattisgarh’s rural economy stands to benefit immensely, with ‘ChhattisKala’ poised to become synonymous with excellence in organic, homemade products.

Aparna Yadav, Vice-Chairperson of the UP Women’s Commission, welcomed the announcement, calling it essential for maintaining hygiene and security. She noted that dirty restrooms at stations contribute to health risks, and this upgrade will make a real difference. Yadav commended the railways for their proactive approach and credited PM Modi’s leadership for inspiring departments to focus on women’s rights and conveniences.

Advocacy from the Daily Passenger Association played a key role, bringing the matter to the attention of Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Selected stations span multiple zones: Northern Railway’s Lucknow and Moradabad divisions, North Eastern Railway’s Lucknow, Izzatnagar, and Varanasi, plus North Central Railway’s Agra, Jhansi, and Prayagraj areas. Officials point out that while big hubs are equipped, smaller stations lag behind, often leaving women without options.

Expected to serve thousands, these facilities will promote safer travels and better health outcomes. By prioritizing such infrastructure, the railways are setting an example of inclusive development, ensuring every woman can journey with confidence and respect.

Organized with backing from the Union Textiles Ministry and state cooperatives, the three-day event until February 16 spotlights 50 stalls from major craft hubs. Visitors can explore Hyderabad’s Kalamkari prints, Bihar’s Madhubani art, Dehradun’s Kushiya work, Bengaluru paintings, Rajasthan clay pottery, UP’s Talaab work, MP durries, bead art, leather goods, date palm crafts, and more from Varanasi, Jodhpur, Nagpur, and Gujarat.

Kanyal’s inspection led to directives for clear labeling of artisan origins, enhancing authenticity. He highlighted how such platforms provide markets for creators while educating the public on India’s artistic diversity. ‘Come, see, buy – support our heritage,’ he appealed to locals.

The expo weaves personal success sagas. Gujarat’s Monu Gujarati transformed his struggles into stability via this national stage. Banaras weaver Jalaluddin Ansari now sells directly, saving margins and thanking PM Modi’s constituency ties. Jaipur’s Neeraj Saini reports income growth, Nagpur’s Shakun Thakur expanded dramatically with loans, and Bengal duo Bappa Das and Sevasi De found reliable outlets beyond rural hawking.

Enthusiastic shoppers from Guna praised the initiative. Mahendra Nayak wants more such access to handmade art, Gayatri Sharma values the jobs and products, and Biplab Jain sees it as a boon for domestic employment. Mukesh Jain, Deputy Cooperation Commissioner, invites crowds daily from afternoon to night, urging patronage for cultural preservation and artisan upliftment.

This gathering not only boosts sales but symbolizes a movement where local talent gains global visibility, proving policy’s ground-level impact.

Organized under PM Modi’s directive, this cross-border relic sharing initiative aims to deepen cultural and spiritual ties. The High Commission confirmed the schedule, noting the relics’ return on February 11, 2026—a testament to meticulous planning for this rare event.

Anticipation builds in the island nation, where massive crowds of Buddhists, monks, and global travelers are set to converge. Sri Lankan High Commissioner Mahishini Kolonne expressed profound gratitude, calling it an ‘unprecedented boon’ and the relics’ debut international showcase.

Reflecting on PM Modi’s recent address, the High Commission shared footage emphasizing India’s role in disseminating Buddha’s teachings worldwide. Wherever these relics have traveled lately, they’ve ignited profound faith and unity.

This follows Modi’s inauguration of the Piprahwa relics exhibition in Delhi, where he outlined ambitious projects to preserve and promote Buddhist heritage sites globally. The move reconnects youth with core values of compassion and mindfulness.

The exhibition promises to be a highlight, fostering goodwill and reinforcing the enduring Indo-Sri Lankan spiritual alliance rooted in Buddhist traditions.

Speaking to media, Rakhi shared her elation: ‘Being chosen for this is a dream come true. It validates the hard work we’ve put into helping the poor get affordable healthcare.’ Her center dispenses generic versions of branded drugs, slashing costs and ensuring treatment for those who need it most.

The scheme, a flagship program under PM Modi, has revolutionized pharmaceutical access across India. Rakhi highlighted real-world impacts: ‘We’ve seen patients who couldn’t buy medicines before now getting full courses, avoiding complications and even deaths.’

Local peers are equally thrilled. ‘This is a proud day for Hazaribagh,’ said another Kendra operator. ‘Rakhi’s success will encourage us all to expand outreach and serve more communities.’

With thousands of Jan Aushadhi stores operational, the initiative continues to grow, empowering entrepreneurs like Rakhi while tackling India’s healthcare affordability crisis. Her Republic Day invitation marks a personal milestone and a testament to public service excellence, promising to inspire many more in the days ahead.