The Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 is a vibrant celebration of rural India’s entrepreneurial spirit and cultural heritage, taking place from January 4th to 9th, 2025 in New Delhi.
Under the theme “Building a Resilient Rural India for a Viksit Bharat 2047” and the motto “When villages grow, the country grows, the Mahotsav highlights the incredible achievements and potential of rural communities, with a special focus on promoting economic stability, financial inclusion, and sustainable practices.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event at the Bharat Mandapam, setting the stage for the event organized by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). Through discussions, workshops, and masterclasses, the Mahotsav aims to boost rural infrastructure, foster self-reliant economies, and inspire innovation in rural areas, particularly in North-East India.
One of the key highlight in the event is the inspiring story of Mangal Leima Self-Help Group (SHG) from Khangabok village, Manipur, displayed at Stall 59. Founded in 2014 by Laishram Sharmila Devi, the initiative began with a small group of women and has since grown to empower over 4,000 women artisans. With the support of NABARD in the form of financial aid and skill development, Mangal Leima SHG has expanded its reach and diversified its products, which include bags, baskets, home décor, and other handicrafts made from Kouna, , a locally sourced swamp reed native to the Thoubal District . The group operates through 14 women-led SHGs, with members earning an average monthly income of ₹12,000, demonstrating the power of collective rural entrepreneurship.
A significant focus of the Mahotsav is to empower rural women through entrepreneurship; bring together government officials, thought leaders, rural entrepreneurs, artisans and stakeholders from diverse sectors to build a roadmap for collaborative and collective rural transformation; encourage discussions around leveraging technology and innovative practices to enhance rural livelihoods; and showcase India’s rich cultural heritage through vibrant performances and exhibition
