President Droupadi Murmu on Friday inaugurated the 37th Surajkund International Crafts Mela at Surajkund, Haryana.
Speaking on the occasion, the President called the Surajkund International Crafts Mela a celebration of India’s cultural diversity. “This fair is a celebration of our tradition as well as innovation. It is an effective platform to connect our craftsmen with art lovers. It is both an art exhibition and a business centre,” she said.
The President said art and craft cut across borders and build bridges of understanding. Artists and crafts-persons are creative ambassadors of humanity, Murmu said.
She said Gujarat, the partner state of this year’s Mela, has a very rich tradition of art.
The President was happy to note that North-Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation is the cultural partner at this year’s Surajkund International Crafts Mela.
She commended the artisans for preserving the artistic heritage of our country.
The President said that craftsmen and sculptors put life into clay and stone. Painters create pictures through colours that look vibrant. Craftsmen create incredible shapes and forms out of various metals and solid materials like wood. Imaginative weavers create amazing beauty in textiles and garments. Such craftsmen have been both creators and protectors of India’s civilization and culture.
She was happy that today’s artisan brothers and sisters are taking forward the precious heritage of our civilization and culture.
Pointing out that Tanzania is the partner nation for this year’s Mela, she said it is a wonderful platform to showcase Tanzanian dance, music, and cuisine, in which we can also glimpse some Indian influence, thanks to the centuries of people-to-people contact between India and the East African coast.
Murmu underlined that Tanzania’s participation as the partner nation in this Mela highlights India’s engagement with the African Union.