Monday, February 1, 2016

Surjakund International Crafts Mela off to colourful start

CHANDIGARH, FEB 1
The 30th edition of the Surjakund International Crafts Mela-2016 today got off to a colourful start at Surjakund in Faridabad with announcements for ambitious tourism projects and promotion of tourism.
        While Haryana Chief Minister Mr Manohar Lal announced that  Wanda Group of China would invest 10 billion USD (Rs 60,000 crore) for a  3,000 acres project of weekend getaway for people in Delhi-NCR, apart from a township in these ranges,  Union Tourism and Culture Minister, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, said that the Union Tourism Ministry was preparing a special scheme to attract tourists to the 7,500 kilometre coastal area of India. Union Railways Minister, Mr. Suresh Prabhu    said that the official website of Indian Railways, www.irctc.com, is in the process to market handicrafts and offer craftspersons a global market.
The Haryana Chief Minister also unveiled the Surajkund Mela table calendar and announced the Surajkund International Crafts Mela officially open.After entering from Dhanteshwari Gate, a traditional welcome was extended to the Chief Minister by Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism. Mr. Manohar Lal took a round of the Theme State Telangana’s craft-huts and interacted with the craftspersons and weavers. He also visited the international area and Apna Ghar, Haryana, after which he headed towards the Chaupal and did the honours of lighting the lamp. Japan and China are the main partner countries for the Mela.
        Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Fair, the Chief Minister said that there are abundant possibilities for ecotourism in Shivalik and Aravalli ranges. The Wanda Group of China would invest 10 billion USD (Rs 60,000 crore) in 3,000 acres area, which would offer an option for weekend getaway for people in Delhi-NCR, apart from a township in these ranges. This would also boost tourism in the National Capital Region, he added.
The Chief Minister said that the Surajkund International Crafts Mela infuses new energy among everyone and offers a platform to people of different cultures to learn from each other.
He said that the Union Tourism Ministry has announced a Rs 175-crore scheme to develop Krishna circuit in Kurukshetra. This circuit would comprise 138 places associated with the epic Mahabharata. A scheme would be prepared to attract tourists by offering a special seven-day package. Similarly, the Kalka-Kalesar stretch also has great potential for tourism, he added.
Praising the people of the State for their efforts in making the ambitious ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ programme successful, the Chief Minister said that as a result, the sex ratio at birth for December, 2015, has crossed the 900 mark with 903 girls per 1,000 boys. He added that efforts would be made to achieve sex ratio above 950 within the next six months. He said that Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, had appreciated the significant improvement in sex ratio in Haryana during his radio address ‘Mann Ki Baat’ yesterday. The Chief Minister also paid tributes to astronaut Kalpana Chawla on her death anniversary.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Tourism and Culture Minister, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, said that the Surajkund International Crafts Mela has attained the status of being an international calendar event. He also complimented the efforts of the Haryana Government to boost its tourism by identifying the Krishna circuit and reviving sacred river Saraswati. He said that the Union Tourism Ministry was preparing a special scheme to attract tourists to the 7,500 kilometre coastal area of India. Tourists could be attracted through ecotourism, golf tourism and rural tourism.
Union Railways Minister, Mr. Suresh Prabhu, expressed happiness that this Mela is a symbol of pride and has brought great repute for the State. He said that the official website of Indian Railways, www.irctc.com, is in the process to market handicrafts and offer craftspersons a global market.
Haryana Tourism Minister, Mr. Ram Bilas Sharma, said that participation from 23 countries in the 30th edition of Surajkund International Crafts Mela signifies the growing importance of this Mela. He said that this Mela offers an ideal platform for the hardworking craftspersons. Free entry for girl students of government and government-aided colleges, Mela express buses from Satnali to Surajkund and buses from nearby Metro stations to Mela grounds have been started to further popularise this Mela, he added.
Honorary Brand Ambassador, Haryana Tourism, Mr. Dharmendra, expressed gratitude towards Haryana Government for giving him an opportunity to be the brand ambassador of the Department. He further said that Surajkund Mela is Haryana’s pride and an honour for the country.
The inauguration ceremony of the Mela also saw enthralling performances being presented by Haryanavi dancers based on saving the girl child, apart from performances by Telangana and Japanese artistes. Secretary, Tourism, Mr. Vinod Zutshi and Principal Secretary, Haryana Tourism and Vice-Chairperson, Surajkund Mela Authority, Dr. Sumita Misra, also spoke on the occasion.
        Others present on the occasion included Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Mr. Krishan Pal, Telangana Tourism Minister, Mr. Azmeera Chandulal, Secretary, Telangana Tourism, Mr. B. Venkatesham, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Haryana Tourism and Hospitality, Mrs. Seema Trikha, MLA, Faridabad, Mr. Vipul Goel, MLA, Ballabhgarh, Mr. Mool Chand Sharma, MLA, Prithla, Mr. Tek Chand Sharma, Managing Director, Haryana Tourism-cum-Chief Administrator, Surajkund Mela Authority, Mr. Vikas Yadav .
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