CM Himanta Biswa Sarma opens 38th edition of Hunar Haat at Khanapara

GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that 'Hunar Haat' where artisans and craftsmen display and sell their unique creations will be a potential platform for 'vocal for local'. It will promote the spirit of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', he said.

The Chief Minister inaugurated 'Hunar Haat' at Khanapara here today. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the exquisite handicrafts displayed at the exposition would reflect the unparallel skills of the indigenous artisans and craftsmen to showcase their crafts, cuisine and culture at a pan-India level. He also said that Hunar Haat, a confluence of the artisans and craftsmen, will ensure their economic empowerment. Thanking National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation for organizing Hunar Haat, the Chief Minister said that the event held at different places in the country over the years has been a platform for nearly eight lakh artisans to see 'development with dignity. He also said that the extent of Hunar Haat is so extensive, in the coming years it is expected to cater to the needs of at least 20 lakh artisans and craftsmen across the country.

The Chief Minister also said that the government at the Centre as well as the state is working proactively to protect and promote the country's ancestral legacy of arts and crafts in the current global competition. Both the governments have taken initiatives for the artisans and craftsmen of younger generations to remain connected to their legacy and get financial and self-employment opportunities through traditional arts and crafts.

Referring to the COVID 19 pandemic where the innovation and entrepreneurship of the Indians helped the country to tide over the situation, the Chief Minister said that the N-95 masks, PPE kits, ventilators and vaccines made during the period not only fulfilled the domestic demands but exported them to the countries across the world. This is an indication that India is becoming self-reliant with an uncompromising focus on promoting its culture and heritage, he said.

The Chief Minister said that the 21 model educational institutions for as many districts of the state being built in association with the Central government will be inaugurated next year to give a fillip to the socio-economic and academic empowerment of the minorities. He also said that the State government is taking all necessary measures to expedite the socio-economic and academic development of the minorities.

The 38th edition of Hunar Haat at Guwahati from 11 to 20 March 2022 has witnessed the participation of 28 states and Union Territories. Three hundred stalls have been set up to display and sell products with exquisite beauty.

Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also spoke on the occasion. Minister for Welfare of Minorities Chandra Mohan Patowary, Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Urban Affairs Minister Ashok Singhal, MPs Queen Oja, Bhubaneswar Kalita, MLA Siddhartha Bhattacharya and a host of others were present on the occasion, a press release said.

Also Read:  Hunar Haat provided employment opportunities to 8 lakh artisans

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