Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma while inaugurating ‘Hunar Haat’ at Khanapara here today said, “The exposition where our artisans and craftsmen are displaying and selling their own unique creations will be a potential platform for ‘vocal for local’ and promoting the spirit of atmanirbhar Bharat”.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma 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 which is a confluence of the artisans and craftsmen will ensure their economic empowerment. Thanking National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation for organizing Hunar Haat, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma 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 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 COVID 19 pandemic where the innovation and entrepreneurship of the Indians helped the country to tide over the situation, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma 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.
Dr. Sarma said that the 21 model educational institutions for 21 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 State government is taking all necessary measures to expedite the socio-economic and academic development of the minorities.
It may be noted that the 38th edition of Hunar Haat at Guwahati from 11 to 20 March, 2022 has witnessed participation of 28 states and Union Territories. 300 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 Bhattarcharya and host of others were present on the occasion.
