Kiren Rijiju inaugurates 6th Lok Samvardhan Parv in Dehradun, cites 'Sabka Saath' vision
Synopsis
The 6th Lok Samvardhan Parv — the first held in partnership with Uttarakhand — opened in Dehradun with over 150 stalls under the PM VIKAS Scheme. Minister Rijiju used the platform to push back against perceptions of religious bias, framing the festival as a celebration for all Indians and a live demonstration of the 'Vocal for Local' shift in consumer culture.
Key Takeaways
Kiren Rijiju inaugurated the 6th Lok Samvardhan Parv at Parade Ground, Dehradun on 11 July 2025 .
The five-day festival features over 150 artisanal and food stalls, live craft demonstrations, and cultural performances.
It is the first edition organised in partnership with the Uttarakhand government under the PM VIKAS Scheme .
Rijiju reaffirmed the Modi government's 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' principle, stressing equal treatment regardless of religion.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Uttarakhand Minorities Welfare and Waqf Development Corporation are co-organising the event.
Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday, 11 July inaugurated the 6th Lok Samvardhan Parv at Parade Ground, Dehradun, reaffirming that the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to inclusive development without discrimination based on religion or community. The five-day festival, the first edition organised in partnership with the Uttarakhand government, is being held under the PM VIKAS Scheme.
What the Festival Brings
The 6th Lok Samvardhan Parv features over 150 artisanal and food stalls, live craft demonstrations, and cultural performances. It brings together artisans, weavers, craftspersons, and entrepreneurs from across the country to exhibit handloom products, traditional crafts, Made in India handicrafts, and regional cuisines. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was present at the inauguration.
Rijiju described the event as 'an important national platform for artisans, weavers, craftspersons and entrepreneurs to showcase their talent, traditional craftsmanship and products.' He added that the festival is 'not a festival only for minorities but a celebration for all Indians dedicated to preserving the country's rich cultural heritage while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.'
Government's Inclusive Development Stance
Rijiju underscored that the Union government does not view citizens through the lens of religion, invoking Prime Minister Modi's guiding principle of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' — development for all. He said the Ministry of Minority Affairs remains committed to the socio-economic empowerment of minority communities through education, skill development, entrepreneurship, and market access.
He also appealed to citizens to embrace the Prime Minister's 'Vocal for Local' vision, urging visitors to actively support and purchase indigenous products on display at the festival.
Shift in Consumer Mindset
Rijiju pointed to what he called a significant cultural shift in India's consumer behaviour. 'There was a time when imported goods were considered a symbol of prestige. Today, people proudly choose and promote products that are Made in India. Lok Samvardhan Parv is a reflection of this changing mindset, celebrating our rich heritage while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for artisans across the country,' he said.
He noted that Prime Minister Modi has instilled a renewed sense of pride in India's artisans and indigenous products, positioning the festival as a marker of that transformation.
Organisers and What Comes Next
The festival is jointly organised by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, and the Uttarakhand Minorities Welfare and Waqf Development Corporation, Government of Uttarakhand. Rijiju also announced that after the monsoon season, he plans to visit the interior regions of Uttarakhand in consultation with Chief Minister Dhami. The five-day event continues through the week, offering artisans from across the country direct access to consumers and markets.
Point of View
But the real measure of impact will be whether artisans gain sustained market access beyond the five festival days — something past editions have struggled to deliver.
NationPress
11 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lok Samvardhan Parv?
Lok Samvardhan Parv is a national festival organised by the Ministry of Minority Affairs to provide artisans, weavers, craftspersons, and entrepreneurs a platform to showcase and sell their products. The 6th edition, held in Dehradun from 11 July 2025, is the first co-organised with a state government — Uttarakhand — under the PM VIKAS Scheme.
What is the PM VIKAS Scheme?
PM VIKAS (Prime Minister's Viksit Bharat Artisan and Craftsperson Support) is a central government scheme under the Ministry of Minority Affairs aimed at the socio-economic empowerment of minority communities through skill development, entrepreneurship, and market access. The 6th Lok Samvardhan Parv in Dehradun is being held under this scheme.
Why did Kiren Rijiju say the festival is not only for minorities?
Rijiju clarified that Lok Samvardhan Parv is a celebration for all Indians, aimed at preserving India's cultural heritage and creating livelihoods — not restricted to any religious community. He was reiterating the government's stated principle of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', which positions development as non-discriminatory across religion or community.
What can visitors expect at the 6th Lok Samvardhan Parv in Dehradun?
Visitors can explore over 150 stalls featuring Made in India handicrafts, handloom products, traditional crafts, and regional cuisines from across the country. The festival also includes live craft demonstrations and cultural performances over five days at Parade Ground, Dehradun.
What did Rijiju say about his upcoming visit to Uttarakhand?
Rijiju announced that after the monsoon season, he intends to visit the interior regions of Uttarakhand in consultation with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, though no specific date or itinerary was announced.
