Nagpur: The Perception Expo–2025, jointly organised by the Gayatri Mahila Industrial Cooperative Society and MSME DFO Nagpur for women entrepreneurs, will take place from December 6 to 9 at the South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Civil Lines. This initiative aims to bring together the diverse businesses, arts, and skills of women entrepreneurs on a single platform, said the Society’s President, Kanchantai Gadkari, during a press conference.
Secretary Vijayatai Bhusari, Neha Laghate, Anjali Mule, Aparna Shirpurkar, Urmila Saraf, Rekha Saptrushi, Jyotsna Dahake, Angha Dharkar, Nilima Gadhikar, Kavita Bhure, Varsha Sharma, Sandhya Kothekar, Manju Tarhate, and Vandana Kathale were present at the press conference.
Gold Rate
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Inauguration and Event Schedule
The expo will be inaugurated on December 6 at 4:30 pm by MSME DFO Director V.R. Shirsat. Smt. Aastha Karlekar, Director of South Central Zone Cultural Centre, will be the chief guest.
On December 7, Avanti Kate will present a special performance titled Bharat Mata. On December 8, Dr. Sangita Banait and her group will present the Abhangwari program. The expo will conclude on December 9 in the presence of dignitaries.
A Major Opportunity for Local Women Entrepreneurs
The expo will feature stalls showcasing handicrafts, household items, attractive jewellery, traditional ornaments, decorative materials, and various other products. Gadkari said that the expo plays a vital role in boosting women entrepreneurs’ businesses, and every year, a large number of women participate.
For the past seven years, the organisation has consistently provided a dedicated marketplace for emerging women entrepreneurs through this initiative.
Journey and Initiatives of the Organisation
Founded in 1996, the Gayatri Mahila Industrial Cooperative Society started with a very small group and has now built a wide operational network. The organisation promotes women’s self reliance through weekly markets, small exhibitions, workshops, awareness of government schemes, and guidance for financial assistance.
Through MSME, the organisation has played a key role in helping many women entrepreneurs secure financial support. This year’s Perception Expo has also been organised under this initiative.
Under the Plastic Free India campaign, the organisation continues to produce paper bags, cloth bags, jute and canvas bags, and laptop bags. During the Covid-19 pandemic, nearly 80,000 masks were produced by engaging women in mask and bag stitching work.
Currently, the organisation contributes significantly by providing employment to 150–500 women. Its turnover reached ₹34 lakh in 2024–25, and sales worth ₹24 lakh have already been recorded in the current financial year. Every year, around 200 new women entrepreneurs join the organisation.
