Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in a program organized by the Uttarakhand Handloom and Handicraft Development Council at the Chief Servant House, located at the Chief Minister’s residence, on Wednesday. On this occasion, he inspected various handicraft stalls and honored 11 people with the Uttarakhand Shilp Ratna Award. Those honored included Mrs. Janaki Devi and Mrs. Bhagirathi Devi from Uttarkashi, Indra Singh from Bageshwar, Laxman Singh and Bhupendra Singh Bisht from Almora, Jeevan Chandra Joshi and Mohan Chandra Joshi from Haldwani (Nainital), Janaki Bisht from Narayan Nagar Mallital, Nainital, Jagdish Pandey from Quality Colony Halduchaur, Haldwani, Pradeep Kumar and Mrs. Guddi Devi from Chamoli, and Mahimanand Tiwari from Uttarkashi.
The Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand’s weaving and handicraft art is renowned for its diversity, traditional designs, and quality. He described the state’s artisans and weavers as the bearers of the state’s cultural heritage. At the beginning of the program, the Chief Minister paid tribute to those who died in the recent disasters in various parts of the state and expressed condolences to the affected families. He stated that the state government is committed to carrying out rehabilitation work in the disaster-affected areas with sensitivity and speed.
The Chief Minister said that the woolen shawls of Harshil, the Thulma of Munsyari-Dharchula, the tweed of Almora, the fan of Chhinka, and the designs of Pichhoda have brought recognition to Uttarakhand not only at the national level but also in the global market. He pointed out that today, textiles made from hemp and bamboo fibers are seeing special demand across the country.
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, initiatives like “Vocal for Local,” “Local to Global,” and “Make in India” are proving to be milestones in the socio-economic development of artisans and weavers. Schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana, the National Handloom Development Program, and the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman are ensuring the overall development of artisans and weavers.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is also encouraging the promotion and marketing of local products through the Shilpi Pension Scheme, Shilp Ratna Award, Weaver Cluster Empowerment, skill development training, fairs and exhibitions, and e-commerce platforms.
Recalling the Prime Minister’s call for the use of indigenous products, the Chief Minister said that if every citizen gives priority to indigenous goods, this step will strengthen the resolve of self-reliant India and will also provide new energy to the artisans, craftsmen and farmers.
He expressed confidence that the artisans and weavers of Uttarakhand will play an important role in making the state self-reliant and a leading state in the country through their creativity and tradition.
On this occasion, Vice President Uttarakhand Handloom and Handicraft Development Council Virendra Dutt Semwal, MLA Mrs. Sarita Arya, Suresh Gadiya, Chairperson Child Commission Dr. Geeta Khanna, Secretary Industries Vinay Shankar Pandey, Director General Industries Dr. Saurabh Gaharwar and handicraftsmen from across the state were present.
