‘Mathi Angadi’ Shop Opens in Kancheepuram to Promote SHG Products
Chennai/Kancheepuram, July 7 – In a move that boosts local artisans and women entrepreneurs, the Kancheepuram district administration has opened a new retail outlet named ‘Mathi Angadi’ near the historic Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple. The shop is exclusively dedicated to selling products made by Self-Help Groups (SHGs), empowering rural women and promoting indigenous craftsmanship.
From authentic Kancheepuram silk sarees and matching traditional jewellery to eco-friendly jute and cotton bags, and even clay dolls for children, all products at Mathi Angadi are locally made by SHGs, offering shoppers a unique one-stop destination for sustainable, handmade goods.
Empowering Local Artisans and Women Entrepreneurs
The initiative provides a permanent, high-footfall retail space for SHG members, many of whom previously relied on occasional exhibitions or sales at the District Collectorate complex to earn a living.
“If there’s an exhibition, it’s a good month for us. Otherwise, we just keep producing and hoping for a profit,” said Hamsa Prasad of Sri Sai Ganapathy SHG, whose group specializes in jute and cotton bags, files, folders, and backpacks.
By cutting out intermediaries, the SHG members are able to sell directly to customers, improving profit margins and building relationships with repeat buyers.
From Weaving Dreams to Financial Independence
For groups like Sri Ramajayam SHG, which is composed of silk saree weavers, the Mathi Angadi shop is more than just a marketplace — it’s a symbol of sustained empowerment.
“Our group is over 10 years old, but it’s only in the past few years that we’ve been provided with loans. That has helped us manufacture and sell sarees independently,” said Nalli Jyothi Dayalan, a proud member whose sarees are now available at the shop.
Rotational Stocking & Millet-Based Food Focus
Ms. Mohan, who is associated with the shop’s operations, said SHG products are stocked on a rotational basis, allowing multiple groups — even from other districts — to gain exposure.
“Among food products, we focus on millets. It aligns with the government's goal of promoting healthy, traditional grains,” she added.
To further expand visibility, the district administration also facilitates SHG exhibitions in colleges, offices, and residential complexes, ensuring that artisans have diverse platforms to showcase their work.
Key Highlights:
- Mathi Angadi opened near Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kancheepuram.
- Offers locally made SHG products: silk sarees, jewellery, bags, clay dolls, millet-based foods.
- Empowers SHG women with direct-to-customer sales opportunities.
- Products from multiple districts are showcased on rotation.
- District supports promotion via college, office, and apartment exhibitions.
A celebration of community entrepreneurship, heritage crafts, and self-reliance — Mathi Angadi is not just a shop, but a movement