Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the sixth edition of the Lok Sanvardhan Parv at Parade Ground, Dehradun, on Saturday, 11 July, in the presence of Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju. The five-day cultural festival, running from 11 to 15 July, brings together artisans, craftspeople, folk artists, entrepreneurs, and culinary experts from across the country to showcase traditional arts, crafts, and local products at more than 150 stalls.

Context

The Lok Sanvardhan Parv is an annual cultural festival organised under the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs' PM Vikas Yojana — formally the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan scheme — which aims to provide artisans and craftsmen from minority communities with marketing support, branding opportunities, and pathways to employment. This year's edition marks a significant milestone: Uttarakhand has become the first state in India to partner with the Ministry of Minority Affairs in hosting the festival.

At the inauguration, CM Dhami also participated in a plantation drive under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' (One Tree in Mother's Name) campaign, a national initiative that integrates environmental awareness with public events. Uttarakhand's traditional arts and products have been given prominent space among the more than 150 stalls at the venue.

Policy Backdrop

Speaking at the event, CM Dhami described Uttarakhand's role as the first state partner as a matter of 'immense pride,' saying it was 'not merely the result of administrative coordination, but proof that Uttarakhand is always committed to playing a leading role in the effective implementation of national development and public welfare initiatives.' He invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governing motto — 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas' (Together with all, development for all, trust of all, and effort of all) — as the shared framework guiding both the Centre and the state.

The Chief Minister highlighted a range of schemes his government runs for the educational, economic, and social empowerment of minority communities, including scholarships, the Mukhyamantri Hunar Yojana (skill development), meritorious girl-student incentives, self-employment support, and education loans. He also cited the state's 'House of Himalayas' brand and the 'Ek Janpad Do Utpad' (One District Two Products) programme as vehicles to give Uttarakhand's local products and traditional crafts national and international recognition.

Stakeholders and Impact

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju described the Lok Sanvardhan Parv as 'not merely an exhibition, but a national celebration of India's cultural diversity, traditional skills, and the dignity of artisans.' He said the Central government, under PM Modi's guidance, is continuously working to connect traditional craft, folk culture, and minority-community artisans with national and global markets. He praised Uttarakhand's participation as a reflection of the state's 'cultural commitment and development-oriented thinking.'

The festival directly benefits artisans, craftspeople, and young entrepreneurs from multiple states who gain access to a wider consumer base and visibility beyond their home regions. For Uttarakhand specifically, the platform complements existing state branding efforts by placing locally made goods alongside products from across India, creating cross-state commercial exposure. Cabinet Minister Khajan Das, Ministry of Minority Affairs Secretary Dr. Shrivats Krishna, Joint Secretary S.P. Roy, and Special Secretary for Minority Welfare Uttarakhand Dr. Parag Madhukar Dhakate were also present at the event.

What's Next

The festival continues through 15 July, with visitors expected to engage with stalls spanning folk art, handloom, handicrafts, regional cuisine, and entrepreneurship. Uttarakhand's precedent as the first state partner under PM Vikas Yojana's festival format could encourage other state governments to seek similar central tie-ups, potentially expanding the Lok Sanvardhan Parv's footprint in future editions. The measurable outcomes — artisan sales figures, scheme registrations, and market linkages forged during the event — will be a key indicator of whether the cultural-economic model delivers tangible results for minority craftspeople.