‘Vocal for local’, ‘Make in India’ initiative proving to be milestones in socio-economic upliftment of artisans: Uttarakhand CM Dhami
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took center stage at a vibrant event organized by the Uttarakhand Handloom and Handicrafts Development Council. The program happened right at Mukhya Sevak Sadan in the Chief Minister’s residence in Dehradun on Wednesday, September 17. It was a great chance to spotlight the state’s rich handicraft and handloom traditions.
Dhami kicked off the event by paying tribute to the victims of recent natural disasters across Uttarakhand. He shared heartfelt condolences with the affected families and assured everyone that the state government is working tirelessly on rehabilitation efforts. “We’re committed to helping with compassion and speed,” he said, emphasizing full support for disaster-hit areas.
During the event, the Chief Minister strolled through stalls displaying stunning handicraft products. He praised the diversity, traditional designs, and top-notch quality of Uttarakhand’s weaving and handicrafts. “Our artisans and weavers are the real guardians of Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage,” Dhami highlighted, calling them the heart of the state’s traditions.
He spotlighted some iconic Uttarakhand crafts that have gone global. Think of the cozy woolen shawls from Harshil, the beautiful Thulma from Munsiyari-Dharchula, Almora tweed, the elegant Pankhi from Chinka Valley, and the intricate Pichhauda designs. These have earned fame not just in India but in international markets too. Plus, textiles from hemp and bamboo fibers are booming in demand nationwide, boosting local economies.
A big highlight was honoring 11 talented artisans with the prestigious Uttarakhand Shilp Ratna Award. The awardees included Janki Devi and 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 in Nainital; Janki Bisht from Narayan Nagar Mallital in Nainital; Jagdish Pandey from Quality Colony in Halduchaur, Haldwani; Pradeep Kumar and Smt. Guddi Devi from Chamoli; and Mahimanand Tiwari from Uttarkashi. These artisans represent the skill and passion driving Uttarakhand handicrafts forward.
Dhami credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for schemes like Vocal for Local, Local to Global, and Make in India. These initiatives are game-changers for artisans and weavers, helping their socio-economic growth. He also mentioned key programs such as PM Vishwakarma Yojana, National Handloom Development Program, and PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman, which focus on the all-round development of the handloom and handicraft sector.
The state government is stepping up too, with efforts like the Shilpi Pension Scheme, Shilp Ratna Awards, Weaver Cluster Empowerment, skill training, trade fairs, exhibitions, and e-commerce platforms to promote local products. Dhami echoed PM Modi’s call to choose indigenous goods. “If we all prioritize local items, we’ll strengthen Atmanirbhar Bharat and give fresh energy to our artisans, craftsmen, and farmers,” he said.
Wrapping up, Dhami expressed strong faith in Uttarakhand’s artisans and weavers. With their creativity and age-old traditions, they will help make the state self-reliant and a key player in India’s progress. Events like this truly celebrate the spirit of Uttarakhand handicrafts and handloom heritage.
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