President for organizing Surajkund like melas in all states

by Haryananewswire

CHANDIGARH, FEB 2

The President of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, today stressed the need to increase investment and improving the infrastructure in the field of traditional craft products and making available the markets for them.  Besides, he also advocated the need to increase the exports of these products which is just two percent at present.  

He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the 27th International Crafts Mela at Surajkund, Faridabad. The Mela would continue up to February 15.

          Mr Mukherjee said that the global slowdown has affected the sale of craft products. Use of modern techniques in this field, will help in popularizing these. Mr Mukherjee appreciated the efforts being made by Haryana in this innovation. He particularly commended the activities of Haryana Tourism Department, saying that this mela is important from the point of view of tourism also. He expressed hope that other states would also organize such melas.

          Mr Mukherjee said that after the modest beginning in 1987 in a small area of three acres, today it has become an International Fair and the area has increased to over 40 acres. Last year, 12 countries had taken part in the Mela and this year 20 countries, besides India, are taking part in the mela. Last year over 10 lakh people visited the mela. This year this figure is expected to go up.

          Mr Mukherjee said that this Mela presents the vivid picture of country’s culture, traditional crafts and arts. As theme state, Karnataka has presented its architecture crafts and culture in different forms. The foreign artisans, artists and visitors, who visit the Mela, get a glimpse of India’s civilization and culture. They also get a chance to present their culture and crafts. This Mela is contributing a lot in saving tradition crafts and arts.

          Welcoming the President, the Haryana Chief Minister Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda said that the presence of the President has enhanced dignity of this Mela. Mr Hooda said that this year, about 800 artisans and weavers are taking part in the mela, which include the artisans and weavers from Africa, Eurasia and SAARC countries. Karnataka is the theme state of the Mela, which has rich culture and traditions. The objective of this Mela is to promote handicrafts, arts and the culture of the country. Mr Hooda said that this Mela has promoted rural crafts and because of this Mela, new generation gets to know about country’s heritage. Keeping in view, the increasing popularity of the Mela and increasing number of artisans and visitors, the facilities have been increased in the Mela. The area of the Mela has gone over 40 acres and the number of huts has gone up to 734 from 630, he added.

          The Tourism Minister of Karnataka, Mr Anand Singh said that Karnataka is a multi cultural state. The architect of the state has been presented on different gates of the Mela. The Apna Ghar reflects about the normal life style of Karnataka. About 300 folk artists and 150 crafts persons and artisans are participating in the Mela. On February 9, on Karnataka Day, a fashion Show will also be organized, he added.

          Earlier, the Principal Secretary, Haryana Tourism Mr Vijay Vardhan welcomed the guests.  After lighting of the lamp, the theme state Karnataka presented a grand show of dance in which150 artists took part under the direction of Rajya Sabha MP, Padamshree, Dr. B. Jayshree. The dance troupe of Tajikistan also presented a dance item.

Earlier, on arrival, the President was given a warm welcome by Haryana Governor Mr Jagannath Pahadia and  Chief Minister Mr Hooda at the Hoysala gate, which was followed by ribbon cutting at Dasara gate.      Haryana’s Chief Parliamentary Secretary (CPS) of Tourism Department Mr Ramkishan Fouji presented the vote of thanks.

          Others who  were present on this occasion, included Haryana Revenue Minister, Mr Mahender Pratap  Singh and Minister of state for Labour and Employment Pt. Shiv Charan Lal Sharma, CPS Ms Sharda Rathore, MP Mr Avtar Singh Bhadana, MLAs Mr Anand Kaushik and Mr Raghuvir Tewatia, Faridabad Mayor Mr Ashok Arora, Secretary Tourism Government of India Mr Parvez Dewan, PS to CM Haryana Mr Chatter Singh and Media Advisor Mr Shiv Bhattia, DGP S.N. Vashist, Additional Chief Secretary of Karnataka Mr Arvind Jadhav and MD Haryana Tourism Mr Anand M. Saran.