Earlier on 14th January 2006, the auspicious day of Makara Sankrathi (harvest festival) the caravan was flagged off from the historic village of Pyalaram, which has carved a niche of its own in declaring itself a seed-sovereign village.

The concluding-day procession started from Machnoor village and reached Paachasaale, amidst traditional fanfare and Koolatam. Women all along the route passionately rendered songs. Bullocks and carts were traditionally and tastefully decorated. The spectrums of seeds displayed on the flank of bullock carts testified the rich and varied heritage of the region. Pomp, gaiety and religious fervor marked the occasion. The caravan criss crossed 54 villages for one month and could positively engage forty two thousand farmers in a dialogue on the strengths and merits of their farming system.

The concluding ceremony was held in the amphitheatre of Paachasaale. The precincts were elaborately adorned with flowers, panicles and posters. The cynosure of all eyes was a banner- poster of 12 sovereign seed keepers that spoke volumes of what they have accomplished. In fact this 2006 calendar of DDS is dedicated to these remarkable women.

The distinguished guests present were:

Ms Vani Mohan, Joint Collector, Medak district: Ms Jai Chandiram formely Dy Director, Dooradarshan: Dr. Vimala, formerly professor of Food Science, Agricultural University, Hyderabad: Mr Surya Kumar, Dy General Manager NABARD: And in solidarity were SANFEC partners from Sri Lanka and Nepal.

The ceremony began with invocation song on traditional crops rendered by sangham women. P.V.Sateesh, Director, Deccan Development Society, explained the origin and the essence of Mobile Biodiversity Festival and the stride made, thus far.

Next, the pillars of DDS were honoured for their unflagging support and proficient guidance. Ms Jai chandiram honoured Ms Ratnamma from Dhanwar and Ms Narsamma from Kalmela. Followed by honour of Ms Sivamma from Magi and Ms Rangamma from Shomshuddinpur by Dr Vimala for their passionate promotion of traditional farming practices and for being biodiversity conservers.

Next, Ms Vani Mohan honoured these villages: Singitham, Kalemela, Ippapalle, Bidekanne, Dhanwar and Tekoor for successfully conducting the Jathara.

Mr Surya Kumar gave away prizes to the winners of biodiversity quiz contest.

The guests were captivated at the exuberance of the women and were unanimous in lauding the initiative of DDS and endorsed the need and importance to emulate the model of DDS.

At the end, Mr.Jayappa Dy Director, DDS proposed Vote of Thanks.