Under the joint auspices of the Department of KIRTADS (Government of Kerala) and the Kerala Mahila Samakhya Society, a food court enterprise has been launched in Parappa for the members of the Mahila Samakhya Federation.

Smt. Azeera N.P., the District Program Coordinator of the Kerala Mahila Samakhya Society, welcomed the gathering. The formal inauguration of the event was performed by Shri B.C. Ayyappan, the Parappa Tribal Development Officer. Dr. Pradeep Kumar, Deputy Director of KIRTADS, attended as the chief guest. Shri S. Shinu (Assistant Tribal Development Officer) and Shri A. Babu (Tribal Extension Officer) were also present at the ceremony.

Kumari Boby Joseph, State Consultant of the Kerala Mahila Samakhya Society, detailed the project guidelines. Smt. M.K. Lakshmi, a member of the Federation Food Court, shared insights about the culinary venture (“Ruchippura”). Smt. S. Aneesa, the Mahila Samakhya District Resource Person, proposed the vote of thanks.

Project Background and Vision

The Department of KIRTADS and the Kerala Mahila Samakhya Society are entities that consistently stand for the upliftment of women and marginalized sections of society in Kerala.

The operators of this culinary venture (“Ruchippura”) are individuals who have successfully received specialized training in traditional ethnic food production from the KIRTADS department. Tribal communities often face severe challenges regarding their livelihood options; an enterprise led directly by them serves as a sustainable source of income and a viable livelihood opportunity for the community.