President Kovind opens Surajkund fair, Himachal is theme state

Shimla : The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the 34th Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Surajkund , Haryana today. After 25 years Himachal Pradesh is the theme state in the 16 day long fair.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that occasions such as Surajkund Mela provides ordinary craftsmen and artisans real recognition and value for their skills.

It also provides them an excellent opportunity to display and sell their products directly to customers. The Surajkund Mela has saved India’s various remarkable craft traditions from extinction. For many craftsmen, artisans and weavers, this fair is a major source of their annual income.

The President said we should be proud of the items made by craftsmen of our country. He reiterated mantra of ‘Buy local for a better tomorrow’. He urged everyone to transform the philosophy of ‘Buy local for a better tomorrow’ into a movement. He said that by using locally manufactured products, we would be able to help the small entrepreneurs in our area to a great extent.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur was also present, he said Himachal was participating as a ‘Theme State’ in this the biggest craft fair of the world which has provided an opportunity to highlight art, cultural and tourism at wider level. It will also help in providing new identity to the products of Himachal at global level.