THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BERHAMPUR,
SEPTEMBER 26, 2026
Twelve women
entrepreneurs associated with Srujanika, a women-led community enterprise
ecosystem enabled by Tata Steel Foundation, were recognised as Entrepreneurs of
the Year at the Women Entrepreneurship Excellence Award 2026 organised by
Odisha Corporate Foundation here.
The award ceremony,
held at Swastik Hotel, celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit, leadership and
determination of women contributing to livelihood generation and community
development in southern Odisha. The awardees were selected from thousands of
nominations.
Berhampur MP Dr
Pradeep Kumar Panigrahi, who attended the event as the chief guest, appreciated
Tata Steel Foundation's efforts towards the socio-economic empowerment of women
and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods.
The awardees are
Sumitra Gouda, M Devlaxmi, N Damyanti Reddy, Chumki Choudhury, Sukanti Das,
Archana Gouda, Jayanti Das, Manisha Das, Swopana Behera, Laxmi Reddy, Jhili Das
and Ranjita Behera.
Their entrepreneurial
journeys span diverse sectors, including catering, poultry, micro-enterprises,
apparel, handicrafts and the promotion of traditional and tribal art.
Based in Gopalpur,
Srujanika has evolved from an SHG-based livelihood initiative into an organised
women-led enterprise platform focused on creating sustainable and dignified
livelihood opportunities while preserving and promoting India's traditional and
tribal art heritage.
The initiative brings
together a range of activities, including traditional and tribal art, apparel
and stitching, handicrafts, handmade textiles and bags, product development,
corporate gifting, institutional business and market linkages.
Through its
enterprise approach, Srujanika enables women to participate across the value
chain, from production and quality assurance to costing, packaging, customer engagement,
institutional orders and market access. The model has helped women move beyond
local livelihood activities and gain greater access to organised and
institutional markets.
Women associated with
Srujanika have undertaken stitching and production assignments for institutions
including the Odisha Police, Indian Navy and Indian Army. The enterprise has
also expanded its presence through national platforms such as the Kala Ghoda
Arts Festival, Samvaad and Pallishree Mela, providing wider visibility to
traditional art forms such as Saura, Juang, Gond and Pattachitra.
Srujanika has also
received national recognition, with tribal artwork associated with the
enterprise being presented to President Droupadi Murmu.
The recognition of the 12 women entrepreneurs at the Women Entrepreneurship Excellence Award 2026 underscores the growing role of women-led enterprises in livelihood creation, entrepreneurship and community development in southern Odisha.
It also highlights how sustained enterprise support, market linkages and access to organised opportunities can help women build sustainable businesses while contributing to the preservation and promotion of the region's rich traditional and tribal art heritage.
