A significant milestone was achieved in the journey of sustainable rural development as the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), in collaboration with HDFC Bank’s Parivartan Program, hosted the Handing Over Ceremony of its Holistic Rural Development Programme (HRDP) in Wayanad. The event witnessed the participation of over 150 individuals, including farmers, enterprise unit members, teachers, and community leaders, all gathered to celebrate the impactful outcomes of the initiative.
The ceremony, chaired by Dr. N. Anilkumar, Chairman of the Kerala Biodiversity Board, highlighted the multi-pronged approach adopted under the program to uplift rural communities through sustainable agricultural practices, livelihood enhancement, and community development
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Sri. Goutham Raj, IAS, Assistant Collector, presided over the event as Chief Guest. During his address, he emphasized the importance of ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project. He encouraged stakeholders to take full advantage of central and state government schemes that offer handholding support for rural enterprises. “Sustainability is key to making these initiatives truly transformative. With proper linkages to available government schemes, we can scale the impact,” he remarked.
Smt. Rema R., General Manager of the District Industries Centre (DIC), Wayanad, shed light on the supportive frameworks offered by the Industries Department, including financial aid and capacity-building opportunities through DIC. She encouraged participants to utilize these avenues for further growth and sustainability.
Sri. Rony K. Roy from Kerala Startup Mission inspired the audience with practical advice on leveraging the Kerala Startup Mission portal to initiate small-scale enterprises. “Starting a venture has become much simpler with the resources and guidance available. The portal offers ample opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs,” he stated.
Several notable speakers participated in the event, including Shankar Mahadevan, Manager of HDFC Bank’s Kalpetta Branch; Shudheesh, Deputy Director of Agriculture; and Dr. Shakeela, Director of MSSRF. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by N. Gopalakrishnan.
Reflections from stakeholders added a personal touch to the event. Moulavi, a spice unit entrepreneur, expressed gratitude to MSSRF and HDFC Bank for enabling small-scale business ventures and fostering community well-being. Joseph, a mushroom cultivator from Idukki, highlighted how the program provided the training and resources to turn his aspirations into a successful venture. Teachers and community leaders applauded the program’s contributions to education, such as the establishment of smart classrooms and activity corners.
Volunteer felicitation by the Chief Guest was a moment of pride, showcasing the collective effort and dedication behind the project’s success.
With a focus on sustainability and community-driven growth, the HDFC Bank Parivartan Program has left an indelible mark on the rural landscape of Idukki and Wayanad. The program’s achievements, from the installation of 200 solar streetlights to the formation of income-generating units like spice processing and bioinput production, stand as a testament to the power of collaboration in fostering rural transformation.