On January 29, 2025, Community Action for Rural Development (CARD) organized a Haldi-Kumkum ceremony in Mangrul village as part of its continuous efforts toward rural development. This event was not just a traditional get-together but also a platform for empowering women, promoting social awareness, and fostering economic self-reliance. The overwhelming participation of women from the village made it a highly successful and impactful gathering, highlighting the community’s enthusiasm for collective progress.
This initiative aimed to blend cultural traditions with meaningful discussions on key issues like women’s rights, mental health, economic independence, and sustainable development. By integrating these elements into a culturally significant event, CARD successfully created an environment where women could engage, learn, and grow together.
The program was honored by the presence of renowned social activists, Dr. Urmila Sirsagar and Sangeeta Chavan, who provided valuable insights into women’s rights, health, and financial independence. Their speeches emphasized:
The importance of legal awareness among women and their role in decision-making processes.
The need for financial literacy and economic self-reliance through entrepreneurship and self-help groups.
The significance of utilizing government schemes for rural women’s development.
Both speakers stressed how Haldi-Kumkum ceremonies, which traditionally symbolize social bonding, can also serve as a platform for knowledge-sharing and community strengthening. They encouraged women to actively engage in local governance, economic activities, and self-development program.
One of the most crucial aspects of the event was a special session on mental health, conducted by Dr. Kiran Gharde from Borkhedi Primary Health Center (PSC). She addressed a range of mental health issues that are often overlooked in rural communities, including:7
Stress and anxiety management techniques.
The importance of emotional resilience and self-care.
Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and seeking professional help when needed.
Dr. Gharde’s session was highly interactive, encouraging women to open up about their struggles and seek support. Many participants shared their experiences of stress related to household responsibilities, financial burdens, and social expectations. This discussion helped in fostering a sense of solidarity and understanding among the women, reinforcing the need for mental health awareness in rural settings.
Another highlight of the event was an insightful session by Ujwala Mawatkar, the President of the Village Federation. She emphasized:
The role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in economic independence.
The potential of small-scale businesses in transforming rural women’s financial stability.
The importance of government schemes and subsidies for rural entrepreneurship.
She guided the participants on various sustainable income-generating activities, such as:
Dairy farming – Establishing small-scale dairy units for milk production and processing.
Food processing – Creating value-added products like pickles, papads, and spice powders for better marketability.
Organic farming – Promoting chemical-free agricultural practices and linking them with urban markets.
By sharing success stories of women-led businesses in nearby villages, Mawatkar inspired the attendees to take proactive steps toward financial independence.
The Community Action for Rural Development (CARD) is dedicated to promoting sustainable growth and development in rural areas. This program successfully highlighted the following key focus areas:
Encouraging inclusive growth through social and economic initiatives.
Developing skill-building programs for sustainable livelihoods.
Strengthening local governance through participatory decision-making.
Providing training programs for farmers to improve productivity and sustainability.
Enhancing women’s entrepreneurship through SHGs and cooperative models.
Engaging youth in agribusiness, digital literacy, and skill-based employment.
Promoting eco-friendly and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Encouraging renewable energy adoption in rural households and farms.
Strengthening responsible waste management and water conservation programs.
Strengthening village-level cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
Encouraging community-led initiatives for health, education, and sanitation.
Enhancing access to government schemes and social welfare programs.
Integrating modern agricultural practices with traditional knowledge.
Promoting digital literacy and e-commerce for rural businesses.
Supporting micro-enterprises and start-ups in rural areas.
The Haldi-Kumkum ceremony in Mangrul village was a perfect example of how cultural traditions can be transformed into platforms for education, awareness, and empowerment. By integrating discussions on mental health, women’s empowerment, self-reliance, and sustainable development, the event reinforced CARD’s mission of fostering rural prosperity.
The enthusiastic response from the participants reflected the growing interest among rural women to actively engage in self-improvement initiatives. The event not only strengthened social bonds but also provided practical solutions for improving mental well-being, financial independence, and community participation.
Moving forward, Community Action for Rural Development (CARD) plans to organize more such interactive sessions and skill-development programs, ensuring that rural communities have access to the knowledge, resources, and opportunities needed for a better future.
“Let’s Unite and Achieve Progress!”
