Hyderabad, Feb 27 (NationPress) The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation has introduced 'GI (Geographical Indication) on Wheels' buses. These buses, adorned with stunning cultural and artistic visuals reflecting GI-tagged heritage products, were officially launched by Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma along with Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar at the Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS) on Friday.

Six express buses, each showcasing a unique GI art theme, have been rolled out across six districts.

The GI-themed artistry featured on the buses emphasizes Telangana’s vibrant culture, traditional art forms, as well as the region's handloom and handicraft legacy. This initiative aims to enhance awareness about GI products, support local artisans, and boost tourism.

In his address, the Governor articulated that the primary aim of this initiative is to foster public awareness of GI-tagged art forms and to promote them extensively.

He remarked that as a nascent State, Telangana needs to reinforce its cultural identity. He stressed that culture serves as the essence of society, emphasizing that sustainable development is unattainable without cultural awareness. He also noted that initiatives like this would motivate the youth towards traditional arts and increase recognition for artisans.

Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar affirmed the government's commitment to promoting, marketing, and expanding GI products. He pointed out that such initiatives will create livelihood opportunities for rural artisans and enhance their economic conditions.

He assured comprehensive support from TGSRTC in executing and scaling up this initiative statewide.

As part of the initiative, six notable GI-tagged handicrafts from Telangana have been artistically represented on the buses, including Pochampally Ikat, Warangal dhurries (Carpets), Karimnagar silver filigree, Narayanpet sarees, Cheriyal scroll paintings, and Nirmal paintings.

These art forms, which reflect the skill and craftsmanship of Telangana artisans, are set to gain greater visibility across towns and villages through public transport. The Minister emphasized that the initiative aspires to transform public transport into a vibrant platform for showcasing the State’s rich cultural heritage.

Nagi Reddy, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of TGSRTC, stated that this initiative mirrors the cultural diversity of Telangana and aligns with the Governor’s vision. He mentioned that displaying GI art on buses will bring culture closer to the populace while uplifting artisans.

The designs showcased on the buses were crafted by students from Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU). On this occasion, the students were awarded cash prizes and mementoes.