Successful show by MPG Sthreejyoti entrepreneurs on Women's Day.

Muthoot Pappachan Group's Sthreejyoti, the grassroot level women entrepreneur development programme in partnership with ACCION, held a unique exhibition and sale of products in four key cities in South India on Women's Day. The event showcased products developed and manufactured by women entrepreneurs who were trained in management skills and supported by MPG. Sthreejyoti was launched in early 2010, and has quickly spread its activity throughout South India. Over 7,400 aspiring women entrepreneurs have been so far trained, touched and promoted by the activities. The programme also provides financial assistance in the form of Muthoot Mahila Mitra loans to the women entrepreneurs. MPG Sthreejyoti assists these women throughout the life of the product and entrepreneur in terms of marketing support, financial assistance and financial education and savings in the form of the Swarnvarsham gold ownership scheme. The Sthreejyoti programme is conceptualized and mentored by Thomas Muthoot, Executive Director of MPG.

Bengaluru
It was a treat so see women smiling when chief guest Chenraj R. Jain, Chairman, Jain Group of Institutions, called all the women entrepreneurs present to light the lamp, breaking protocol. Mr. Jain's personal interaction with the Sthreejyoti entrepreneurs set the pace for a successful event. The Sthreejyoti entrepreneur team transacted sales to the tune of Rs.90,000 from handicrafts, ready-to-eat food products, condiments, ready-to-mix powders, garments and jewellery.

Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Usha Gopinath of ACCION, the Jain Group of Institutions graciously provided space and facilities for the event organized by MPG Sthreejyoti. Yashasvini Ramaswamy, recipient of the award for 'emerging future world leader' by GIFT, an initiative supported by the Clinton Global initiative, was the guest speaker. Ms. Yashasvini is a renowned world expert in development projects.

Trivandrum
In Trivandrum, Chief General Manager of NABARD, K. C. Shashidhar and Chairman & Managing Director of MPG, Thomas John Muthoot, inaugurated the programme. Thirty six women entrepreneurs exhibited their products. The exhibition was arranged at Muthoot Fincorp's new, state-of-the-art Kesavadasapuram Branch. Due to the prominent location of the branch the event captured public attention, with many walking into the stalls, as a result of which there was brisk sales.

The exhibition continued well past the closing time of 7pm. Around 70% of the products displayed by the women entrepreneurs were snapped up by the public halfway through the exhibition.

Cochin
The Cochin chapter of the Women's Day exhibition and sale received tremendous support from both Sthreejyoti entrepreneurs and the public. Sadaf Sayeed, COO of Microfinance at MPG launched the event. 40 percent of MPG Sthreejyoti entrepreneur products were sold out by noon during the event. The Muthoot Mahila Mitra and Sthreejyoti teams planned and ensured a well-oiled machinery for the Sthreejyoti entrepreneurs. Several walk-in members of the public were present at the exhibition and sale throughout the day.

Chennai
The Chennai exhibition and sale was inaugurated by Mary L., Ward Councilor of the Chennai Corporation. A women's development activist in her own right, the Sthreejyoti entrepreneurs were encouraged by her presence. Twenty three women entrepreneurs exhibited their products. More than 150 MMM team visited the stall. The MLA of the constituency, Ranganathan B. was present for the valedictory function.

Coimbatore
The PSG College was the venue of the Women's Day exhibition and sale conducted by MPG for its Sthreejyoti entrepreneurs. A total of 96 women entrepreneurs participated in the activity with the support of 40 Muthoot Mahila Mitra personnel and 60 volunteers of PSG College. Chandra Sekharan, Internal Coordinator, Department of Textile Technology, PSG College, inaugurated the event. Due to the success of the Women's Day programme, another major exhibition cum sale of products developed and manufactured by Sthreejyoti entrepreneurs is proposed to be conducted at the PSG campus by end of March 2011.

Summarising the Women's Day activities for MPG Sthreejyoti entrepreneurs, George Muthoot, Director, Muthoot Pappachan Group said: ' MPG is passionate about building the latent creativity, capability and entrepreneurial spirit of India's women at the grassroots. Thomas Muthoot, Executive Director and Sthreejyoti Mentor, adds: "Women are our future, as proven by successful ones at the highest levels in today's corporate world. Women at the bottom of the pyramid need to be given the opportunity too. Here is where the MPG Sthreejyoti programme is delivering exhilarating results.'