The 30th edition of Surajkund International Crafts Fair began on Monday with artists from around 20 countries participating in the cultural extravaganza.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar lal formally inaugurated the Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2016 in the presence of Union Ministers namely Suresh Prabhu, Dr Mahesh Sharma, Krishan Pal, actor Dharmendra among other dignitaries.
On the occasion, Manohar lal took a round of the theme state Telangana’s craftshuts and interacted with the craftspersons and weavers. He also visited the international area and Apna Ghar, Haryana.
The Government of India’s initiatives like Digital India, Beti Bachhao Beti Padhao and Swatch Bharat are being followed in principle at the Mela. This time, Mela’s mobile application under the name Surajkund Mela t can be downloaded for free. Also, Mela tickets are available online and free shuttle service is available to the Mela from places in the vicinity.
This time, the participation from 23 countries in the 30th edition of Surajkund Mela signifies the growing importance of this Mela that offers an ideal platform for the hardworking clan of craftspersons. Among the popular measures taken to further popularize the Mela included free entry for girl students of government and government-aided colleges, also Mela express buses from Satnali to Surajkund and buses from nearby Metro stations to Mela grounds had been started, said Chief Minister Manohar lal
He also unveiled the Surajkund Mela table calendar and stated that the Mela infuses new energy among everyone and it is in collaboration with different Ministries of Textile, Tourism, Culture & External Affairs that the Mela has achieved international fame.
Highlighting upon the Krishna circuit in Kurukshetra that would comprise 134 places that are associated with the epic Mahabharata, Manohar lal said that an expenditure of Rs 175 crores was being incurred on developing the circuit and would help boost tourism in the State.
He stressed upon the importance of Aravalli hills from tourism point of view and the Kalka to Kalesar stretch was being developed for it has both religious and tourism potential.
Manohar lal also stated that the revival of Saraswati river bed is on the priority list of the state. Not to miss, eco-tourism is also being promoted with foreign investors showing interest.
The CM also announced that an investment of $10 billion in an area of about 3,000 acres in which option for weekend getaway for people in Delhi-NCR is in pipeline.
The inauguration ceremony of the Mela saw enthralling performances being presented by Haryanavi dancers based on saving girl child, Telangana and Japanese artistes
On the occasion, Suresh Prabhu, Union Railways Minister expressed happiness that this Mela is a symbol of pride and has brought great repute for the state of Haryana and said that the Indian Railways Official Website (irctc.com) is very popular and is now in the process to market handicrafts and offer craftspersons a global market.
Vinod Zutshi, Secretary, Tourism, Government of India stated that Surajkund International Crafts Mela has given impetus to tourism sector in totality. Japan and China’s association with the Mela gels with the agreements that India has signed with both China & Japan on increasing exchange of visitors, said he.
Dr Mahesh Sharma, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism & Culture, said that the Surajkund Mela has attained the status of being an international calendar event. Sharma also complimented the efforts of the state of Haryana to boost its tourism by identifying the Krishna circuit and reviving sacred river Saraswati.
Actor Dharmendra, Brand Ambassador, Haryana Tourism was the centre of attraction as he stole away many hearts with his couplets and expressed gratitude towards Haryana Government to have given him an opportunity to be the tourism brand ambassador. He said that Surajkund Mela is Haryana’s pride and an honour for the country. At the same time, he hoped that problems that lurk India like drugs and terrorism could be wiped out so that tourism sector could thrive.