Packed with eco-conscious goodies—natural colors, homemade sweets, desi ghee, cow dung cakes for Holika, puja essentials, and stylish T-shirts—these hampers embody tradition meets innovation. Didis from Ujjain, Sagar, Katni, Sehore, and Rewa poured their skills into these packages, as showcased in an inspiring short documentary unveiled at the event.

The launch coincided with the inauguration of a Community Managed Training Center and a capacity-building workshop for self-help groups at Kushabhau Thakre Auditorium. CM Yadav lauded the Didis’ unity, saying their collective efforts mirror the strength of a ‘closed fist worth lakhs.’ From piloting drones and tractors to refilling fuels and running cafes, these women are acing diverse ventures and bolstering the economy.

‘Our culture reveres the power of mothers and sisters,’ Yadav emphasized, detailing how 65 lakh women across 5 lakh SHGs have empowered themselves, with 12 lakh becoming lakhpati Didis. Last year, SHGs clocked Rs 310 crore in sales. MP’s prowess in natural farming sees 50,000 Didis contributing actively. With a 26% budget hike for women and child development and 34% for rural growth, the state is doubling down on empowerment.

Dignitaries including Rural Development Minister Prahlad Singh Patel, Skill Development Minister Gautam Tetwal, and Minister of State Radha Singh graced the occasion. Yadav engaged with Didis, explored stalls, and remotely inaugurated key outlets like Aajeevika Mart Gwalior and Jabalpur Airport retail points, alongside divisional Holi melas. This initiative promises a pollution-free Holi while driving women’s economic independence forward.