Governor Participates in the Sixth ‘Lok Sanvardhan Parv’
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 15 July: Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) participated in the sixth edition of the Lok Sanvardhan Parv at Parade Ground, on Wednesday. The festival, which will continue until July 17, has brought together artisans, craftspeople, folk artists, and entrepreneurs from across the country to showcase their traditional arts, handicrafts, and local products. More than 150 stalls have been set up at the event, with special emphasis on Uttarakhand’s traditional crafts, handicrafts, and indigenous products.
The Governor visited various stalls and interacted with artisans and entrepreneurs to learn about their products, craftsmanship, and marketing strategies. He also witnessed the cultural performances organised during the festival and presented awards to winners of various competitions.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that Lok Sanvardhan Parv is not merely an event but a celebration of India’s cultural diversity, folk traditions, and creative spirit. He noted that India’s cultural heritage is remarkably rich and diverse, with distinct languages, folk songs, music, cuisine, and traditions changing from region to region, reflecting the country’s cultural strength.
He said the festival has provided an effective platform for artisans, folk artists, and entrepreneurs from across India to showcase their talent and excellence. Their skill, dedication, and innovation demonstrate that traditional arts and handicrafts are not only an invaluable cultural legacy but can also serve as powerful instruments of livelihood generation and economic empowerment.
Lt Gen Singh particularly praised the women of Uttarakhand and the state’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs), describing their dedication, craftsmanship, and spirit of self-reliance as an inspiration for the entire country. He said SHGs have played a significant role in giving local products national recognition and added that he had personally witnessed the outstanding work being carried out by these groups.
Emphasising the need to combine traditional skills with digital technology and modern marketing practices, the Governor said such integration would help local products reach wider markets while enhancing artisans’ incomes. He expressed satisfaction that the festival had witnessed encouraging business activity across its many stalls, calling it a positive sign for the local economy.
The Governor further said that as India moves towards its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, young people, artisans, and entrepreneurs must continue transforming their skills and passion into sustainable economic opportunities. He added that the country’s mindset is changing, with increasing recognition and appreciation for local products and indigenous enterprises.
Among those present on the occasion were Cabinet Minister Khajan Das, government appointee Baljit Soni, Dr. Surjit Singh Gandhi, Shadab Shams, Puneet Mittal, Shyam Agrawal, Vishwas Dawar, Special Secretary for Minority Welfare Parag Madhukar Dhakate, Director Deepti Singh, and other dignitaries.
