Government to aid film directors who showcase biz ‘heroes’

Taking a cue from Akshay Kumar’s flick Padman , the President cited the example of Tamil Nadu’s Arunachalam Muruganantham who made a major contribution in improving menstrual hygiene by making low-cost sanitary pads. 

Movies made on such inspiring personalities will create a good environment for self-employment opportunities, he said at a function organised by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Ministry. 

“I have been informed that Tamil Nadu’s Arunachalam Muruganantham has made a very significant contribution to the society... and over 100 countries have shown interest in manufacturing his low-cost sanitary pads. 

“A film inspired by his success was also made which became quite popular. There are many such inspiring examples and more films should be made on them which will create a good environment for self-employment opportunities. 

The Ministry can also provide suggestions and assistance to talented people to make such films,” Kovind said. Development Commissioner MSME Ram Mohan Mishra 

said the Ministry would work on the President’s suggestion to showcase success stories through movies. 

Addressing the ‘Udyam Sangam’ conference to mark the UN MSME Day here, the President observed that MSME entrepreneurs can present effective and affordable solutions for societal and local problems based on grass-root innovation in their surrounding areas. He also launched the Solar Charkha Mission and the Sampark portal which is a digital platform aiming to connect 5 lakh job seekers with recruiters. 

The digital platform titled Sampark portal development will be quite useful in creating a skill pool and connecting trained youth with job opportunities, he said.  The empowerment and progress of weaker sections through MSMEs helps in inclusive development, said the President. 

“To utilise the potential of these enterprises towards inclusive development, National Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Hub was established in Ludhiana. As a consequence of this initiative youth from these communities seeking job and entrepreneurship opportunities will be encouraged more.