Chandigarh, March 19: Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal while presiding over the inaugural ceremony of the 35th Surajkund International Crafts Mela said that handicrafts and handloom are part and parcel of global human civilization and culture.
“Craft and handloom fairs provide an opportunity to the craftsmen to exchange their artistic interest and art, therefore since last 35 years; the International Surajkund Handicrafts Mela has been providing an ideal platform to such craftsmen, handloom artisans to showcase their talent.
The Chief Minister said that this year Jammu and Kashmir is the ‘Theme State’ of the 35th Surajkund International Crafts Mela, while Uzbekistan is participating as the Partner Nation.
“On one hand we are celebrating the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to commemorate 75 years of independence and are refreshing the sweet memories of our immortal martyrs and freedom fighters who laid down their lives for ‘Maa Bharati’, on the other this wind of spring is the inculcating patriotism among every countryman. It was just yesterday that everyone celebrated Holi, the festival of colours, with great pomp and today the 35th International Surajkund Handicrafts Mela is being inaugurated,” added Sh. Manohar Lal.
The Chief Minister said that handicrafts and handloom are part and parcel of global human civilization and culture. The history of all the ancient civilizations of the world also reflects the history of their handicrafts and handlooms. These arts are as much liked in the modern era as they were in ancient times. Therefore, crafts, handlooms and similar Melas provide a golden opportunity to the craftsmen to exchange their artistic interest and art, he added.
Haryana believes in Heart to Heart connect
The Chief Minister while assuring Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan Embassy, Sh. Dilshod Akhatov for further strengthening the bilateral ties between Haryana and Uzbekistan said, “Haryana believes in a Heart To Heart connect as we are not limited to Business To Business, or Government To Government Relationship,” added Sh. Manohar Lal.
“Today is not only an auspicious occasion but a cultural occasion as this Mela is indeed a tribute to the richness and diversity of the cultural heritage of India, organized in the backdrop of this magnificent monument. The craftsman, artisans across the globe eagerly wait to participate in this Mela,” said Sh. Manohar Lal while presiding over the inaugural ceremony of the 35th Surajkund International Crafts Mela.
The Chief Minister said that this Mela also presents an excellent opportunity to witness the rich culture and the traditional art forms of Uzbekistan. India and Uzbekistan share strong cultural and diplomatic ties. He said that due to the global COVID-19 Pandemic, there was a lot of nervousness regarding organizing this Mela but I really appreciate the efforts of all the officers concerned for making arrangements for ensuring to make this Mela big success.
Surajkund Mela, a ‘Triveni of Tradition, Heritage and Culture’
Sh. Manohar Lal said that Surajkund International Crafts Mela not only strengthens the motto of Unity in Diversity of our country but it also takes forward the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ to a completely new level. For the past many years, through the International Surajkund Mela and the international level Gita Jayanti Mahotsava, the cultural roots of Haryana have spread across the Globe.
The Chief Minister said that for the last 35 years, this Mela has been proving to be a pivotal platform for craftsmen and handloom artisans to display their skills. This Mela introduces the visitors to the folk arts, cuisines, music, dances and costumes of different regions.
“This Mela is the ‘Triveni’ of tradition, heritage and culture, which attracts tourists not only from India but from all over the world. It is a matter of great happiness that this time 30 countries are participating in this Mela. International artists from these countries will attract everyone with their cultural presentation,” added Sh. Manohar Lal.
Sh. Manohar Lal said that for many craftsmen, artisans and weavers this Mela becomes the primary source of their income throughout the year. Such Melas also contribute to the economic self-reliance of the country.
The Chief Minister said that the developed Haryana that everyone is witnessing today has a very glorious past as well. This Vedic land is called the 'cradle' of Indian culture and civilization. It is here on the holy bank of Saraswati that the Vedas and Upanishads were composed. Lord Krishna gave the divine message of Karma Yoga in the form of the Holy book Gita in Dharmakshetra, Kurukshetra, he added.
“Tourism is a powerful medium to bring together our new generations living in the country or abroad to have knowledge about our rich historical, cultural and religious heritage. We are committed to saving and preserving this heritage of Haryana and every possible effort is being made for it,” Sh. Manohar Lal.
It is our pleasure to participate in the Mela for the second time, Sh. Dilshod Akhatov
“It is a great pleasure and honour for Uzbekistan to participate for the second time in this Mela as the partner Nation. I extend my gratitude to the Government of India and especially Haryana for inviting us to further strengthen our cultural, traditional and economic ties,” said Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan Embassy, Sh. Dilshod Akhatov.
He said that for this Mela a 40 member delegation would represent the heritage tourism potential of Uzbekistan. Our artisans and craftspersons will actively use this platform as a golden opportunity to connect with the people of Haryana and other states, he added.
“I invite artisans and craftspersons from Haryana and from across India to participate in the Gold and Embroidery and Jewelry Festival to be held in Bukhara from May 21 to 25, 2022. Besides this, dedicated efforts are being made to develop G2G and B2B relations with Haryana,” said Sh. Dilshod Akhatov.
MLA, Smt. Seema Trikha, Sh. Narender Gupta, Sh. Rajesh Nagar, Sh. Ghanshyam Dass and Sh. Nayan Pal Rawat, Chief Secretary, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Sh. Arvind Singh, Principal Secretary, Tourism Department, Sh. M.D. Sinha also remained present on this occasion.