Kudumbashree - Success Story of Shreerajarajeshwari Shinkari Melam Group

Success Story of Shreerajarajeshwari Shinkari Melam Group

‘Shinkarimelam’. The word would might be quite unfamiliar to non-keralites. It is nothing but a percussion ensemble performed mainly during temple festivals in Kerala. It gifts new phases of enjoyment to those who enjoys this. There exist a group of neighborhood group women in Alappuzha district of Kerala. Who find their livelihood through their Shinkarimelam group.

Evolution of Shreerajarajeshwari Shinkari Melam Group

Shreerajarajeshwari Shinkari Melam Group is run by ten women members from different neighborhood groups under Mararikulam South CDS. Smt. Rajeshwari Ajayan is the leader of the group. Smt. Bindu Saliraj is the president of the unit and Smt. Smitha Rajeev is the secretary of the unit. Other members of this group include Smt. Lalitha Vidhyadharan, Smt. Asha Kalesh, Smt. Sheela Sudheer, Smt. Valsala Shylan, Smt. Saleela, Smt. Sindhumol and Smt. Omana.

Rajeshwari was the member of Udaya NHG. She had discussed about finding livelihood opportunities and as a result the idea if launching a Shinkarimelam group came up. Even without making a second thought, they got a trainer for them and 20 members started getting trained in Shinkarimelam under a trainer.  They registered their Shreerajarajeshwari Shinkari Melam Group under Kudumbashree Mission during 2012 and made their debut performance in the same year itself.  They had availed bank loan of Rs 2 lakhs for procuring the musical instruments. Out of this amount, Rs 1 lakhs was given by Kudumbashree Mission as subsidy. S 30,000 was also given as revolving fund.

They are receiving opportunities to perform during the inaugural programmes, other functions, trade fairs, festivals etc. They also conduct programmes associating with other Shinkarimelam groups of Kudumbashree in the district.  10 members would go for the performances regularly. As per the needs of those who book the programme, people are arranged from other groups as well.  During the festival season, each of them get Rs 10,000 each as income.

Kudumbashree Mission provided support to them to earn a decent livelihood. Choosing and starting the right enterprise at the right time really matters. The success story of the Shreerajarajeshwari Shinkari Melam Group can be considered a better epitome of practical wisdom. By successfully running Shreerajarajeshwari Shinkari Melam Group the micro entrepreneurs of Kudumbashree Mission had proved that they can succeed in any industry.  What matters most is the aptitude, determination and self-confidence to make the dreams real!