New Delhi, Dec 12 (IANS): A number of ‘Lakhpati Didis’ from various parts of the country with their wide array of delectable dishes have aroused interest in the visitors who are flocking to their stalls to satiate their taste buds at the ongoing Saras food festival in the national capital's Connaught Place area, which is garnering the attention of food gourmands and connoisseurs.
Notably, the one-of-its kind festival, organised by the Ministry of Rural Development has turned Connaught Place into a bustling hub, with an offering of more than 300 dishes from across 25 states.
Many Lakhpati Didis told IANS that they are thankful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for facilitating a big turnaround in their lives, with this scheme.
“Earlier, women used to be engaged in household chores but after becoming Lakhpati Didi, they are earning income for the house, educating their children well and are also taking care of their family. It is proving to be important for mothers and sisters," said one of the Lakhpati Didis.
Rita Hazarika, who has come from Assam said, “I make tea, rice, chicken curry, momos and all these things at the stall. It has been 5 years for me but since then Lakhpati Didi Yojana has come, we got a loan from the bank and a lot has changed in our lives."
Kanika Mehta, hailing from Tripura, said that she came to know about the Lakhpati Didi Scheme from known acquaintances.
“Today, we feel empowered as we are able to send our children to good schools” she said while expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Because of PM Modi-led government, women like us have got a chance to go out of the house, got a chance to earn on our own and travel here to Delhi. We are very thankful to PM Modi,” she added.
Another 'Lakhpati Didi' from Darjeeling district of West Bengal said, “Earlier, we used to take care of the house. But, today we are selling our food products in Delhi.”
“Women are moving forward and are being progressive towards self-reliance. The biggest thing is that women are coming out of the house, women are also working now,” she said.
Meenu Samanta, hailing from West Bengal said: "It feels great to be here. We did not face any problem in taking the loan. There was no problem. We got the loan easily. I got a loan of Rs. 6 lakh. My friend got a loan of Rs. 10 lakh. We did not face any problem in getting the loan. We could never imagine such people-friendly treatment in previous regimes," she said.