PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, in collaboration with the Uttarakhand Minorities Welfare and Waqf Development Corporation, Government of Uttarakhand, today inaugurated the 6th Lok Samvardhan Parv at Parade Ground, Dehradun. The five-day event inaugurated by Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju in the presence of chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Uttarakhand Minister for Minority Welfare Khajan Dass and others will remain open to the public till July 15.
Addressing the gathering, Rijiju said that Lok Samvardhan Parv has emerged as a national platform for artisans, weavers, craftspersons and entrepreneurs to showcase their traditional skills and products. He described the Dehradun edition as a historic milestone, marking the first-ever collaboration between the Ministry of Minority Affairs and a State government for organising the flagship event under the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme. Rijiju said that the Union government is working with the spirit of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”, ensuring development for every citizen without discrimination. He emphasised that Lok Samvardhan Parv is a celebration for all Indians and appealed to citizens to support the Prime Minister’s vision of “Vocal for Local” by purchasing indigenous products and encouraging local artisans. He also said that after the monsoon season, he would visit the interior regions of Uttarakhand in consultation with the CM.
Dhami said it was a matter of pride for Uttarakhand to host Lok Samvardhan Parv for the first time and become the first State to partner with the ministry for organising the flagship festival. He said the event would introduce the younger generation to India’s rich artisanal traditions while providing Uttarakhand’s artisans with a national platform to showcase their craftsmanship. He highlighted various initiatives of the State government for the welfare of minority communities, promotion of entrepreneurship and strengthening of local products through schemes such as House of Himalayas and One District Two Products.
Ministry of Minority Affairs secretary Srivatsa Krishna said that since its inception in 2024, Lok Samvardhan Parv has travelled across the length and breadth of the country in less than two years, providing a vibrant platform for artisans and entrepreneurs. He said that the Dehradun edition marks the festival’s first visit to Uttarakhand, where around 150 artisans, including nearly 90 women artisans, are showcasing their craftsmanship and the spirit of Nari Shakti. Minority Welfare special secretary Parag Madhukar Dhakate and Ministry of Minority Affairs joint secretary SP Roy also addressed the gathering.
