‘Dhaga’: A Platform for Women Entrepreneurs Unveiled in Pune

Pune, 10th October 2024: Pankaja Munde, MLA and former minister of Maharashtra, inaugurated ‘Dhaga,’ an exhibition organized by the Ramabai Ambedkar Women Empowerment Center Pune, recently at the Golden Leaf Lawns near Mhatre Bridge on DP Road, Karvenagar, Pune.

The exhibition featured diverse stalls showcasing handloom sarees, dress materials, kurtas, jewelry, bags, cosmetics, and food products.

Notable attendees included the convenor of the exhibition and Rajya Sabha MP Prof. Dr. Medha Kulkarni; Charudatta Deshpande, Vice President of the Sugar Technologists Association of India; Sheetal Agashe, Director of Brihans Natural Products; Milind Barapatre, Deputy Director of MSME; Abhay Dafterdar; former municipal councilor Dilip Wadepatil; Jayant Bhave; and others. The event honored women entrepreneurs with the ‘Successful Entrepreneur’ award, including Varsha Bhise, Ketaki Torane, Rupali Desai, Gayatri Akolkar Joshi, Pooja Kiniker, Anjali Ranjekar, Shilpa Deshpande, and Yogita Jog.

Pankaja Munde remarked, “Until women become the economic backbone, they will not receive due honor. Therefore, women must strive for economic independence. I take satisfaction in having accomplished many good works for women while serving as the Minister for Rural Development and Women and Child Welfare. Through self-help groups, women in rural areas are becoming empowered. Such initiatives are also being implemented in urban areas. In rural areas, women repaying loans receive credit at zero percent interest; I will pursue similar facilities for urban areas with the government. The ‘Local to Global’ initiative must be implemented more effectively. Continuous efforts should be made to honor women’s talents.”

Prof. Dr. Medha Vishram Kulkarni stated, “The aim is to encourage women entrepreneurs by providing a platform for business growth. This ‘Dhaga’ strengthens the bond among entrepreneurs. The platform offers support for promoting women’s products, entrepreneurship development workshops, information about schemes, business management, social media marketing, and more. There are over 100 innovative stalls at this exhibition.”

Sheetal Agashe highlighted that it is commendable for women to manage family responsibilities while running businesses. She advised staying optimistic, believing in oneself, and working consistently and persistently to achieve goals. Charudatta Deshpande encouraged women to explore opportunities in the sugar industry and start their businesses.

Milind Barapatre spoke about the initiatives being implemented by the MSME Ministry for women entrepreneurs. “We are striving to ensure that these women access international markets and export their products. Every woman entrepreneur should register her enterprise,” noted Abhay Dafterdar. Priya Nighojkar served as the anchor for the event.