Women's talent comes to fore at Power Parba

Superintendent of Police Annamalai said women, who constitute half of the world’s population, should make up their mind to contribute to growth which would result in absolute wonders.

Speaking after inaugurating the two-day Power Parba here on Saturday, the marketing festival organised by the Power, a platform for the women entrepreneurs, he said, “Women are capable of creating incredible things. But they should make up their mind to come out of isolation.” Annamalai said many instances show that men are behind successful women. Equality and acceptance are important, he observed.

Quoting former UN secretary general Boutros Boutros Ghali, he said women’s participation in socio-economic process is vital to ensure the growth and development as they make up half of the world’s population.

Annamalai said, “Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts offer platforms to aspiring women to reach greater heights. The conducive ambience here helps women to cross restrictions and chase their dreams.

“The women-oriented organisations should set up a corner and once it is done, there is a straight road ahead. Women are not inferior. Kiran Bedi was the lone woman IPS officer in 1975. But the situation has changed today and more women are joining (police) service today.”

Attractive items
At Power Parba, various items like decorative terracotta products, handicrafts, hand-made jewellery, decorative items from silk cocoons, khadi clothes, varieties of delicacies, greeting cards, plastic items and saplings of various species were displayed in 113 stalls.

Nayan Bendre, who heads a team of hand-made jewellery and show items, told Deccan Herald that they invest on raw materials and income generated from the sale of products will be directly given to Anandavan, social activist Baba Amte’s charity home.

She added the team comprises   women aged between 40 and 80 years who contribute during the leisurely time. The initiative was taken up ten years ago. Since then, the income is being donated to Anandavan. At least, Rs 25,000 to 30,000 income is being generated from the sale of items every year, she added.

Girija from Mysuru, who had displayed terracotta products, said she is into this business from the last 15 years.

“I have been slowly and steadily growing in this business by selling the products without government’s support. Initially, I had to struggle to establish myself,” she added.

A wide variety of decorative flowers, gift cones, garlands, bouquets, wall hangers and flower jars made out of silk cocoon attracted the attention of the visitors. Kamala from Salem in Tamil Nadu said the items are non-perishable commodities. She said she has trained more than 80,000 women in making these items. The cocoon silk, which is considered as useless to produce silk, is being used to manufacture these items, she added.