Adding another milestone to Odisha’s dynamic journey of women-led entrepreneurship, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha Smt. Pravati Parida inaugurated the Subhadra Shakti Cafe today at the tranquil Anandabana campus in Kalinga Nagar, Bhubaneswar.
More than just a cafe, the initiative reflects a growing shift in the state’s development model, one that is placing SHG women at the forefront of enterprise, innovation, and economic inclusion.
This cafe will be managed entirely by members of the Bhuasuni Self Help Group, who have undergone specialised hospitality training at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Bhubaneswar. The training was part of a comprehensive capacity-building initiative of the Department of Mission Shakti, aimed at nurturing micro-entrepreneurs and preparing women for real-world business management.
Envisioned as more than a food outlet, the Subhadra Shakti Cafe provides a dynamic platform for SHG women to showcase their culinary expertise, run operations professionally, and cater to the city’s diverse food culture. The menu includes cooked breakfast items, snacks, and a refreshing range of beverages including cold pressed fresh fruit juice,herbal juice, herbal tea, fruit juice, lassi, signature coconut shake, cold coffee, along with contemporary offerings like mocktails, smoothies, and milkshakes.
With Odisha now leading the country under the Lakhpati Didi programme, having empowered over 16 lakh women to earn ₹1 lakh or more annually, initiatives like Subhadra Shakti Cafe represent the next phase of this journey. From income generation to wealth creation, from collectives to entrepreneurs, the state is building a future where SHG members evolve into confident business leaders and job creators.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Parida emphasised that the government is determined to translate aspiration into opportunity for women across Odisha. “Every new cafe, enterprise, or product line led by women brings us closer to our goal of a self-reliant, Viksit Odisha. We are not just promoting livelihoods, we are building a culture of dignity, leadership, and independence,” she said.Shri Babu Singh, MLA, Ekamra Bhubaneswar was also present during the inauguration Programme.
Shalini Pandit, Commissioner cum Secretary, Dr. Monica Proyadarshini, Director Mission Shakti ,Officials from the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) and Mission Shakti Department were also present during the inauguration, reaffirming their support in scaling such initiatives across urban and semi-urban spaces.
The Subhadra Shakti Cafe at Anandabana will not only serve nutritious and affordable meals to visitors and officials but will also function as a live learning ground for SHG women aspiring to step into the world of entrepreneurship. As Odisha continues to empower women through skill, finance, and opportunity, cafes like these will pave the way for community-owned businesses to thrive.
