International artistes at the opening day of Surajkund Mela.
Faridabad (Haryana), February 1, 2014: Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Chief Minister, Haryana today formally inaugurated the 28th Surajkund International Crafts Mela at Surajkund, Faridabad in the august presence of Goa’s Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza, Minister of Tourism Dilip Parulekar; High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, Prasad Kariyawasam; Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan, Saidbeg Saidov and Minister of Tourism, Buganda Kingdom, Rita Namyalo Kisitu.
The galaxy of special invitees at the inauguration ceremony included Avtar Singh Bhadana, MP, Faridabad; Mahender Pratap Singh, Minister for Revenue & Disaster Management Consolidation, Rehabilitation, Food & Supplies and Technical Education, Haryana; Pt. Shiv Charan Lal Sharma, Minister of Information, Public Relations & Cultural Affairs and Labour & Employment, Haryana; Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Kumari Sharda Rathore, Shri B.B. Batra and Anand Kaushik, MLA’s from Rohtak and Faridabad respectively and Chairman, Haryana Tourism Corporation, Chakrvrty Sharma.
Among other dignitaries present from Sri Lanka were Mangalika Adhikari, Secretary, Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Ministry and Buddhi Keertisena, Chairman, National Crafts Council.
After entering from Dhanteshwari Gate and a traditional welcome by Surajkund Mela Authority & Haryana Tourism, Hooda entered the Mela lead by Goa Carnival Procession at Goa and interacted with the craftspersons and weavers of the Theme State Goa. Also the delegation from Sri Lanka, the Partner Nation of the Mela received Shri Hooda and he visited the Sri Lankan cluster, foreign participants and Apna Ghar, Haryana before he announced Mela open at the Chaupal, Surajkund Mela grounds.
Hooda said that after the modest beginning in 1987, it has become an International Fair and the area has increased to over 40 acres. This year 18 countries are taking part in the Mela, which has attained the milestone of being international last year. He further added that this Mela presents the vivid picture of country’s culture, traditional crafts and arts.
He complimented Goa as theme state that has created an atmosphere at the Mela that literally transports you to their state and the Mela reflects India’s civilization & culture and has contributed a lot in saving traditional art and crafts. He expressed happiness about the fact that Sri Lanka as Partner Nation has got its contingent of artisans, master chefs and artistes and there is an overwhelming participation of craftspersons from Eurasia, SAARC nations and many other countries.
Hooda also commended the efforts of Surajkund Crafts Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism for organising an event of this level.
The Goa’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Francis D’Souza said that Surajkund Mela is an opportunity for all stakeholders to take full advantage and showcase our hidden glory. He also added that their 200 folk artistes are participating in the Mela.
High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, Prasad Kariyawasam, stated that Surajkund Mela is a great manifestation of how you provide opportunities to craftspersons in a friendly environment and a beautiful ambience.
Chakrvrty Sharma, Chairman, Haryana Tourism Corporation and Parvez Dewan, Chairman, Surajkund Mela Authority-cum-Secretary Tourism, Government of India addressed the august gathering. Earlier, Vice Chairman, Surajkund Mela Authority-cum-Principal Secretary, Tourism of Haryana Vijai Vardhan presented the salient features of this year’s Mela and Sumita Misra, Director General Tourism, Haryana, Member Surajkund Mela Authority & Managing Director, Haryana Tourism extended a hearty welcome to all dignitaries and representatives of different countries.
The inauguration ceremony of the Mela also saw enthralling performances by Sri Lankan troupe, Haryanavi ghoomer dancers and Uzbekistan artistes.
The Mela will remain open to public from 9.30-7.30 daily from 1-15 February.//Haryana news, Haryana current news, Haryana news live, Haryana breaking news, Haryana headlines, Haryana latest news, india news, world news,