11 artisans conferred ‘U’khand Shilp Ratna Awards’
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 17 Sep: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in a function organised by the Uttarakhand Handloom and Handicrafts Development Council at the CM’s official residence here today. On the occasion, he inspected various stalls showcasing handicrafts. Eleven artisans of the state were conferred the Uttarakhand Shilp Ratna Awards. Those honoured today were Janki Devi and Bhagirathi Devi from Uttarkashi, Inder Singh from Bageshwar, Laxman Singh and Bhupendra Singh Bisht from Almora, Jeevan Chandra Joshi and Mohan Chandra Joshi from Haldwani (Nainital), Janki Bisht from Narayan Nagar, Mallital, Nainital, Jagdish Pandey from Quality Colony, Halduchaud, Haldwani, Pradeep Kumar and Guddi Devi from Chamoli, and Mahimanand Tiwari from Uttarkashi.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the CM observed that Uttarakhand’s weaving and handicraft art are famous for their diversity, traditional designs, and quality. He described the state’s artisans and weavers the bearers of its cultural heritage. At the beginning of the event, the CM also paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the recent calamities in various parts of the state and expressed his condolences to the affected families. He asserted that the state government is committed to carrying out rehabilitation work in the affected areas with compassion and speed.
Dhami stated that the woollen shawls of Harsil, the thulma of Munsyari-Dharchula, the tweed of Almora, and the pankhi and pichhaura designs of Chhinka have given Uttarakhand recognition not only at the national level but also in the global market. He added that clothes made from hemp and bamboo fibres are witnessing special demand across the country today.
The CM said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, initiatives like “Vocal for Local”, “Local to Global”, and “Make in India” are proving to be milestones in the socio-economic development of artisans and weavers. He added that the overall development of artisans and weavers is being ensured through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana, the National Handloom Development Programme, and the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman.
Dhami further stated that the state government is also promoting the local products and their marketing through the Shilpi Pension Yojana, Shilp Ratna Award, Weaver Cluster Empowerment, skill development training, fairs, exhibitions, and e-commerce platforms. Recalling the Prime Minister’s call to use indigenous products, he said that if every citizen prioritises indigenous goods, this will not only strengthen the resolve for an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ but also give new energy to artisans, craftspeople, and farmers.
The CM also expressed confidence that the artisans and weavers of Uttarakhand, with their creativity and tradition, will play a significant role in making the state self-reliant and a leading state in the country.
Also present on the occasion were Uttarakhand Handloom and Handicrafts Development Council Vice-Chairman Virendra Dutt Semwal, MLAs Sarita Arya and Suresh Gadia, Child Commission Chairperson Dr Geeta Dawar Khanna, Secretary, Industries, Vinay Shankar Pandey, Director General, Industries, Dr Saurabh Gaharwar, and handicrafts artists from across the state.
