Rs 15 lakh cheque for sewing machines for drought-hit women at Mumbai Swadeshi Diwali festival

As part of the Swadeshi Diwali festival in Mumbai, several social initiatives were taken up so that needy families could share in the joy of the festival. A cheque for Rs 15 lakh was given for distributing sewing machines to drought-affected women, so that they can stand on their own feet and get an opportunity for self-employment.

On the second day of Swadeshi Diwali Utsav 2026, the cheque was presented through the Indian Merchants' Chamber (IMC) for the sewing machine distribution drive for drought-affected women. The initiative came about through the efforts of Shiv Sena spokesperson Sushiben Shah. Speaking about it, Shah expressed her resolve to make women financially empowered.

The main aim of the assistance is to enable women to start their own business, earn a regular income and support their families financially. Shah said the effort was not to stop at giving financial aid but to make women self-reliant.

Along with sewing machines, a drive to provide foodgrain kits has also been taken up to give relief to families hit by the drought. The kits will be made available through the Dr Shrikant Shinde Foundation. A cheque for this was handed over on behalf of the Stree Shakti Kendra.

Shah said it was everyone's responsibility to help drought-hit families, keeping their difficulties in mind. The sentiment behind the initiative, she said, was that needy families should also be part of the joy of Diwali.

The festival emphasises greater use of Indian products. Another aim is to find a market for local entrepreneurs and women's self-help groups. The festival has stalls selling a variety of goods as well as workshops, and citizens are responding enthusiastically.

On the first day, Shiv Sena leader Meenatai Kamble, Siddhesh Kadam, Shital Mhatre, Sushant Shelar, Trushna Vishwasrao, Maharashtra Bhushan Seema Singh, Kala Shinde, Yamini Jadhav and Sandhya Vadhavkar attended.

On the second day, MP Dr Shrikant Shinde, MP Milind Deora and Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde visited the festival. They toured various stalls and interacted with entrepreneurs. They also praised the women taking part in the workshops. Shiv Sena deputy leader Shilpa Deshmukh was present on the occasion.