Gagtok:10th March: In a significant step towards strengthening social inclusion and celebrating women-led development, the Ministry of Rural Development organised a special visit for women members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) belonging to Tribal communities and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) to Amrit Udyan at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 10 March 2026 under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
Over 150 SHG Didis from some of the remotest regions of the country, representing diverse Tribal and PVTG communities across multiple States and Union Territories, participated in the visit. Bringing together women from different geographies, cultures, and languages, the initiative reflected the spirit of India’s unity in diversity while highlighting the collective strength of women’s institutions nurtured under DAY-NRLM.

The visit was organised following an invitation from the Office of the President of India, which opened Amrit Udyan for special category visitors from 3 February to 31 March 2026. Notably, 10 March was designated for Women and Tribal Women Self Help Groups(SHG), recognising the important role played by women’s collectives in strengthening grassroots democracy, financial inclusion, and community leadership.
For many of the visiting Self Help Groups(SHG) members, the experience marked their first visit to the national capital and to one of the country’s most iconic national spaces. As they walked through the vibrant floral landscapes of Amrit Udyan, the Didis brought with them the colours of India’s rural diversity, resilience, and aspirations.
En route to the gardens, the Self Help Groups(SHG) members also visited India Gate, experiencing the cultural and historical significance of one of the nation’s most prominent memorials. The visit filled the participants with pride and joy, further deepening their sense of connection with the nation’s shared heritage.

The interaction among Self Help Groups(SHG) members from different parts of the country fostered a spirit of solidarity, mutual learning, and shared aspiration. Women from diverse communities exchanged experiences from their livelihoods, institutions, and social initiatives, reflecting how grassroots collectives can bring together people from different backgrounds to work towards common goals.
This initiative underscores the Ministry of Rural Development’s continued commitment to social inclusion, women’s empowerment, and recognition of the cultural richness and diversity of Tribal communities. By bringing together Self Help Groups(SHG) women from across India in such nationally significant spaces, the programme also celebrates the idea of unity in diversity and strengthens a sense of dignity, belonging, and national integration.
The Ministry of Rural Development expressed its appreciation to the President’s Secretariat, State Rural Livelihoods Missions (SRLMs), State Coordinators, Liaison Officers, and all officials whose coordinated efforts ensured the smooth and successful conduct of the visit.
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