Traditional craftsmanship is the basis of self-reliance and self-dependence: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav
Bhopal: Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has said that the state government is committed to realizing the idea of Vocal for Local given by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. It is a powerful medium for the preservation of our traditional craftsmanship, folk art and cultural heritage. Along with this, the idea of Vocal for Local is also effective for the self-reliance and self-dependence of the artisans by giving recognition to the local products. In this direction, the initiative taken by Gram Shri Trust through the Craftroots exhibition will provide new identity and opportunities to the artisans. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was addressing the program organized on the occasion of the launch of Craftroots Handicraft Exhibition at Bhopal Haat in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Governor Smt. Anandiben Patel. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav and Governor Smt. Patel inaugurated the program by lighting the lamp.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Raja Bhoj has given a special identity to Bhopal and this entire region. Along with this, the country is celebrating the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai. Devi Ahilyabai has presented exemplary examples of women’s self-reliance and women’s empowerment. It is a matter of good fortune for the people of the state that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is attending the Women Empowerment Conference being held in Bhopal on the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai. Craftroots Exhibition is also a meaningful step towards women’s self-reliance. From this point of view, the inauguration of this exhibition is a symbol of the beginning of the Women’s Conference. He said that the handicrafts of different regions of the state have their own special identity and aura. Through such exhibitions, the fame of regional level products spreads far and wide and artisans get an opportunity to expand their business.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the state government is committed to the expansion of industrial activities. Activities are being conducted in the state for the expansion of large industries as well as cottage industries. Special incentives are being provided to employment-oriented industries in the state. He said that products made from handicrafts can be an effective alternative to plastic. There is a need to encourage this at the individual level along with state governments and institutions.
In her address, Uttar Pradesh Governor Smt. Anandiben Patel stressed the need to establish a craft university to promote handicrafts. She said that the state governments should provide assistance to artisans for travelling from one state to another. Citing the example of the thread bank established in Maheshwar, she said that it is necessary to make arrangements to provide raw material to the artisans near their workplace. Smt. Anandiben Patel said that the sensitivity of the government staff towards the artisans, their supportive attitude and the initiative to resolve their problems quickly will help in promoting handicrafts rapidly. She appreciated the efforts being made for self-help groups and girl education in Madhya Pradesh.
Founder of Craftroots organisation, Smt. Anar Patel said that handicrafts is the second largest sector providing employment after agriculture. Her organisation, established in 1995, has provided training to more than 70 thousand sisters so far. This organisation not only provides training to artisans in better marketing, design development, quality improvement and maintenance techniques, but also ensures easy availability of raw material. Minister of State for Cottage and Village Industries, Shri Dilip Jaiswal was also present in the programme.
