Akka Cafe launched in Udupi to promote women entrepreneurs

Civil supplies minister Rizwan Arshad on Saturday inaugurated Akka Cafe, a joint venture of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (Sanjeevini) and the Udupi zilla panchayat, on the Brahmagiri-Kinnimulki road. The cafe is run entirely by women from the Ujwala Sanjeevini Self-Help Group of Manipura Gram Panchayat.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Arshad said the cafe is a significant step for women’s economic empowerment and a symbol of self-respect. He noted that healthy, pure traditional coastal-style food and snacks will be available at affordable rates. The minister described it as a platform that brings grassroots women’s cooking skills to society and creates a market for local products.

The minister also inaugurated the ‘Illu’ Foods masala powder manufacturing unit of the Udupi Sanjeevini Mahila Kisan Producer Company at the Doddangudde Shivalli Horticulture Farm. Several local dignitaries attended the event.