In a significant recognition of grassroots entrepreneurship and women's empowerment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised the efforts of tribal women from Bhadradri Kothagudem district in Telangana for their successful transition from sanitary napkin production to manufacturing millet-based biscuits under the brand Bhadradri Millet Magic.

The initiative, supported by the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) Bhadrachalam, has empowered a self-help group named the Sri Bhadradri Sri Rama Joint Liability Group, registered as a Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME), to create sustainable livelihood opportunities while promoting healthy eating habits.

Speaking to ANI, B. Rahul, IAS, Project Officer of ITDA Bhadrachalam, explained how the journey began. "Earlier, the group used to make sanitary napkins to supply to all our tribal institutions and students. They used to supply 50,000 napkins in three months and earn a turnover of Rs 20 lakhs per annum," he said. "But they were only active for three months and remained idle the rest of the time. They wanted to utilise this idle period and approached us for training opportunities."