CM sips tea, shares heartwarming moments

Erode: Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay disbursed Rs 3,000 crore in bank-linked credit to 26,000 SHG members across Tamil Nadu on Tuesday and also shared heartwarming moments with some of the beneficiaries here. Out of this state-wide financial package, Erode district alone received a major share, with the CM handing over Rs 1,110 crore to over 9,000 regional self-help group (SHG) members at an event held at Kanjikovil Pirivu in Perundurai in the district today.

The Chief Minister’s videos of sharing pleasant moments with the beneficiaries went viral on social media, with his fans sharing video clips of Vijay receiving a memento from a woman while another requested him to autograph her identity card. Revenue Minister K A Sengottaiyan and Handlooms Minister Vijay Balaji presented him with a huge portrait portraying Vijay standing beside iconic AIADMK leader M G Ramachandran holding a sengol.

At the event, two self-help group (SHG) members affectionately pinched his cheek, resulting in a video clip going viral. “Tea nalla irukku,” Vijay complimented the SHG members at the catering stall set up by Olichudar and Eswaran SHGs from Erode and Nilgiris districts, after sipping freshly prepared tea - a moment that delighted the onlookers - as he went around the exhibition stalls at the venue. He made it a point to pay for the refreshment from his pocket. He spotted a specialised wooden sculpture intricately carved with his own facial features.

Amused by the craftsmanship, he purchased it along with an eco-friendly banana fiber product, immediately handing cash over to the craftswomen. The government’s economic package encourages women’s collectives to contribute to the state economy and also reflects the state’s commitment to encourage their talent, an official said. The event drew thousands of attendees.

Prior to distributing the funds, CM Vijay spent significant time touring a specially curated exhibition and extensive product display stalls that highlighted the success stories and diverse manufacturing capabilities of women SHGs from various parts of the state.

The exhibition featured a rich display of heritage items, ranging from traditional dolls to value-added agricultural goods. Notable among the exhibits were unique indigenous handicrafts, including traditional Toda tribal embroidery presented by the Paalmalar group from the Nilgiris district.

Enthusiastic fans, public and TVK cadres lined up on either side of the road and greeted Vijay as his convoy entered the district and moved along the highway corridors before funnelling into the main town area. The journey featured about seven main intersection areas arranged by district administration to allow the public to greet the Chief Minister from Chengapalli Flyover on the Kochi - Salem National Highway till Kanjikovil Pirivu. He took out a roadshow while returning to Coimbatore airport and en route, he stopped at a local police station for a surprise review. He later left for Chennai by a special flight.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The Hans India