Rijiju and Dhami launch Lok Samvardhan Parv, U’khand becomes first state to partner Centre
Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 11 Jul: Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the sixth edition of the ‘Lok Samvardhan Parv’ at Parade Grounds here on Saturday. Uttarakhand has become the first state in the country to partner with the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs for the organisation of the cultural festival. On the occasion, the Chief Minister and the Union Minister also planted saplings under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.
The five-day festival, being organised from July 11-15 under the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) Yojana, brings together the artisans, the handicraft workers, folk artists, entrepreneurs and the culinary experts from across the country on a common platform to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage, traditional crafts and indigenous products. More than 150 stalls have been set up at the venue, displaying a wide range of handicrafts, traditional products, handloom items and regional cuisines from different parts of the country, with Uttarakhand’s traditional art forms and local products receiving prominent representation.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Lok Samvardhan Parv is not merely an exhibition but a national celebration of India’s cultural diversity, traditional skills and the dignity of its artisans. He said the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was continuously working to connect traditional crafts, handicrafts, folk culture and artisans belonging to minority communities with national and global markets. He observed that the festival, organised under the PM VIKAS Yojana, would provide craftsmen with fresh opportunities in marketing, branding and employment. Appreciating the cooperation extended by the Uttarakhand Government, he said the state has become the first in the country to partner with the Union Ministry for organising the event, reflecting its commitment to preserving cultural heritage while pursuing development-oriented policies.
Addressing the gathering, Dhami said it is a matter of great pride for Uttarakhand to become the first state in the country to collaborate with the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs for organising the Lok Samvardhan Parv. He said the achievement reflected not only effective coordination between the Centre and the State Government but also Uttarakhand’s continued commitment to playing a leading role in implementing national development and public welfare initiatives. He congratulated the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs and the State Minority Welfare Department for jointly organising the event and appreciated the efforts of all officials and employees associated with it.
The Chief Minister said India’s diverse languages, folk traditions, handicrafts and cultural heritage constitute the country’s greatest strength. He observed that such events not only help preserve and promote the nation’s cultural legacy among younger generations but also provide artisans, craftsmen and folk performers with wider markets, greater opportunities and enhanced recognition. He expressed confidence that the festival would emerge as an effective platform for the economic empowerment of artisans, craftsmen and young entrepreneurs from Uttarakhand as well as other parts of the country.
Dhami said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both the Central and State Governments were working with the guiding principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas’ to ensure the inclusive development of every section of society. He said the State Government had launched several schemes aimed at the educational, economic and social empowerment of minority communities. Initiatives such as scholarships, incentives for meritorious girl students, skill development programmes, self-employment schemes, education loans, the Chief Minister Hunar Yojana and development projects in minority-dominated areas are playing an important role in making the youth self-reliant. He added that modern technology and information technology-based education are also being promoted in madrasas.
The CM further said that the State Government is working to provide national and international recognition to Uttarakhand’s traditional crafts and local products through initiatives such as ‘House of Himalayas’ and the ‘One District, Two Products’ programme. He appealed to the people of the state as well as tourists visiting Devbhoomi to participate in the Lok Samvardhan Parv in large numbers and encourage local artisans and craftsmen by purchasing their products.
Among those present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Khajan Das, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, Dr Srivatsa Krishna, Joint Secretary SP Roy, Special Secretary, Minority Welfare Department, Uttarakhand, Dr Parag Madhukar Dhakate, artisans, handicraft workers and folk artists from different states, senior government officials and a large number of local residents.
