Faridabad, February 15 Haryana Governor Asim Kumar Ghosh said on Sunday that the Surajkund International Crafts Mela showcases culture and tradition working together with innovation, inspired by the mantra of ‘local to global’.
He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the festival in Faridabad.
The crafts festival, meanwhile, witnessed a tragedy last week when a 59-year-old police officer on duty was killed, and 14 people were injured in two consecutive accidents – the collapse of a large swing and a gate – within an hour.
According to an official statement, the governor said that the festival is a strong and vibrant example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a self-reliant India.
"It is inspired by the mantra of ‘Local to Global – Atmanirbhar Bharat’. The Surajkund Mela is emerging as a vibrant platform. It showcases culture and tradition where tradition and innovation work together," he said.
According to Ghosh, through this fair, local artisans have gained global recognition at the international level. The state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, is alert towards promoting art and culture in the state, he said.
The governor said that Egypt has participated in the fair as a partner nation for the fourth time, which has strengthened our shared cultural and civilizational ties. "This time, the themes of the states of Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya have also enhanced the fair by showcasing their vibrant folk traditions and cultural heritage," he said.
Several artisans received awards at the closing ceremony of the crafts festival.
In the traditional category, Gaddam Bala, an artisan from the Telangana state, was selected for her exquisite Ikat craft and was presented with a cheque of Rs 11,000.
In the Kala Ratna category, renowned Odisha artisan Damodar Fateh Singh was selected for his outstanding contribution to Patachitra art. He was also presented with a cheque of Rs 11,000.
A total of eight artisans have been selected under the Kala Mani category. A cash prize of Rs 11,000 was announced for all eight artisans.
In the Best Foreign Award category, Gihan Khalifa from Egypt was selected for Embroidery Art, Iresha from Sri Lanka for Batik Craft, Hocine Nejjar from Algeria for Hand Weaving and M D Mpapy from Egypt for Metal or Brass Plate and Lamp Craft.