Surajkund Mela Celebrates India's Diversity and Heritage: Minister
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Synopsis
The 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela was inaugurated in Faridabad, Haryana, showcasing India's rich culture and craftsmanship. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasized the event's role in promoting unity and providing opportunities for artisans. The Mela features two theme states, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, and includes countries from BIMSTEC.
Key Takeaways
- Surajkund Mela showcases India's rich cultural heritage.
- Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated the event.
- Haryana aims to become a hub for MICE tourism.
- Two states, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, are theme states this year.
- BIMSTEC countries are participating, highlighting cultural similarities.
Faridabad, Feb 7 (NationPress) The 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela was launched with splendor on Friday at Surajkund in the Faridabad district of Haryana.
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat honored the event as the chief guest, officiating the inauguration.
Among the attendees at the opening ceremony were Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Heritage and Tourism Minister Arvind Sharma, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Vipul Goel, and Social Justice Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi.
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela is set to take place from February 7 to February 23, featuring exceptional art, craftsmanship, and talent from artisans and artists from both India and abroad.
During the event, Union Minister Shekhawat stated: “India is currently hosting two significant events capturing global interest: the Maha Kumbh Mela and the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, both reflecting India's unity, culture, and artistic heritage.”
He highlighted that the Surajkund Mela “is more than just a crafts marketplace; it serves as a vital platform for craftsmen and artisans to exhibit their traditional skills.”
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the vision of Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat is being realized through this fair, he noted.
Shekhawat remarked that Prime Minister Modi has significantly transformed India over the past decade, changing its historical image of poverty and underdevelopment.
With the successful execution of various welfare initiatives, Prime Minister Modi has lifted 25 crore people above the poverty line. Today, India stands as the world's fastest-growing economy, he added.
The Union Minister also mentioned the recognition of the cultural and creative economy globally as the ‘Orange Economy’.
He expressed hope that the Surajkund Mela would create new opportunities for Indian craftsmen in both domestic and international markets.
Shekhawat noted that Haryana, due to its proximity to Delhi, has the potential to become a hub for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism and should fully leverage this opportunity.
Chief Minister Saini remarked that Surajkund and the current International Crafts Mela have emerged as a unique emblem not only of Haryana but of the entire nation.
The mela embodies the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and offers a platform to present Indian crafts and culture on a global stage.
The Chief Minister indicated that previously the mela featured one theme state and one partner country. However, for the first time, two states, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, have been designated as theme states, giving the fair a ‘Crafts Maha Kumbh’ identity.
Furthermore, countries from BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) have been included as partner nations.
These nations comprise India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, all of which share cultural affinities.
