Shares her story of economic empowerment through the Bihan initiative at Bharat Parv in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat
Korea Millets Café provides employment to 37 women
Raipur, October 2026: Rural women in Chhattisgarh are scripting new success stories through their hard work, entrepreneurial spirit and self-confidence. An inspiring example was witnessed at Bharat Parv 2026, organised in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, where Heena, a woman entrepreneur from Korea district and the operator of a millets café, got an opportunity to interact with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and share her success story.
She told the Prime Minister how rural women in Chhattisgarh are moving towards economic self-reliance by becoming part of the Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission, ‘Bihan’.
Korea Millets Café becomes a source of livelihood for 37 women
During her interaction with Prime Minister Modi, Heena explained that the millets café operated by her in Korea district has emerged as an effective platform for the economic empowerment of rural women.
Through their association with the café, 37 women are earning a regular income through various livelihood activities. Rural women, who were once dependent on limited sources of livelihood, are now establishing a new identity through self-employment, using their skills and collective efforts.
Heena said that the Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission, ‘Bihan’, has provided women with an opportunity to organise themselves, move forward collectively and transform their capabilities into successful enterprises. The Korea Millets Café is a successful example of this collective entrepreneurial spirit.
Chhattisgarh’s identity reaching across the country through the flavours of Shree Anna
Heena told the Prime Minister that the Korea Millets Café prepares a variety of nutritious and traditional Chhattisgarhi dishes using millets, also known as Shree Anna.
The initiative is not only promoting nutritious food habits but also giving fresh recognition to Chhattisgarh’s rich culinary heritage and local cuisine.
She informed the Prime Minister that a stall featuring traditional millet-based dishes from Chhattisgarh has been set up at Bharat Parv. Through this stall, visitors arriving from different states across the country are being introduced to the traditional flavours of Chhattisgarh, its local food culture and the entrepreneurial achievements of rural women.
Pride of Chhattisgarh’s women power on a national platform
It is noteworthy that Bharat Parv is being organised in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, from October 30 to November 15, 2026. Artisans, entrepreneurs and self-help groups from different states across the country are showcasing their traditional art, handicrafts, local cuisine and cultural heritage at the event.
At this national event, the interaction between Korea district entrepreneur Heena and Prime Minister Narendra Modi stands as a proud example of the growing confidence and economic empowerment of rural women in Chhattisgarh.
