What is the Newly Inaugurated ‘Kalaloka’ Store at Bengaluru Airport?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kalaloka store promotes Karnataka's cultural heritage.
- Showcases 45 GI-certified products.
- Located in Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport.
- Supports local artisans and boosts tourism.
- Enhances global visibility for Karnataka's offerings.
Bengaluru, Nov 11 (NationPress) On Tuesday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah officially opened the impressive and well-appointed Kalaloka store, established by the Department of Industries at Terminal 2 of the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. This initiative is designed to display and market Karnataka’s renowned and uniquely GI-certified products to both local and international travelers.
The Chief Minister marked the store's inauguration by creating a symbolic artwork and ringing a ceremonial bell.
Attending the event were Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Minister of Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil, and other notable ministers including K.J. George, K.H. Muniyappa, Sharanabasappa Darshanapur, and Priyank Kharge.
Following the inauguration, CM Siddaramaiah expressed, “This is a proud moment for Karnataka's industrial sector. The Kempegowda International Airport stands as the third busiest in the nation concerning passenger traffic, welcoming tens of thousands of travelers daily.”
“The Kalaloka store has been created to provide visitors with an immediate insight into Karnataka’s cultural pride upon their arrival. This initiative will elevate the global recognition, branding, and market reach of our State’s distinguished products.”
Minister M.B. Patil added, “The Kalaloka store, strategically located near Terminal 2, showcases Karnataka’s traditional offerings such as Mysore Sandal Soap, Sandalwood Oil, Incense Sticks, Mysore Silk, Channapatna Toys, LIDKAR leather goods, aromatic coffee products, handloom creations, Ilkal Sarees, Lambani garments, sandalwood artifacts, Bidriware, and Mysore-style paintings. In total, 45 GI-certified products from Karnataka will be available for purchase here.”
He emphasized that the purpose of this store is to introduce Karnataka’s traditional and geographically unique products to a global audience, keeping future opportunities in mind.
State enterprises including KSDL, Karnataka Handloom Development Corporation, KSIC, Coffee Board, and LIDKAR have collaborated to support this initiative. Visitors arriving at or departing from the airport can experience Karnataka’s unique cultural identity all in one location, he stated.
The airport authorities have allocated 132 square meters of space in the domestic bay of Terminal 2 for the Kalaloka store.
An additional outlet is set to open soon in the international departure area of the same terminal, covering 140 square meters. The store has been aesthetically designed to embody the State’s culture and heritage, reflecting a vision of pride and foresight.
Also present at the event were Principal Secretary of the Industries Department Selvakumar, Commissioner Gunjan Krishna, KSDL Chairman C.S. Nadagouda, Textile Commissioner Jyothi, Bengaluru Rural Deputy Commissioner A.P. Basavaraju, and several senior officials.