Faridabad/ Alive News: Governor Kaptaan Singh Solanki presided over the concluding ceremony of the 31st Surajkund International Crafts Mela here today. He congratulated the authorities for the successful conduct of the fair. The Governor said, “Haryana had added another feather to its cap by holding such a mega event.” He added that Haryana is known as the land of Mahabharata and now the Surajkund International Crafts Mela has brought Haryana on the world map. Prof Solanki said that the Mela is an ideal opportunity to bind countries together and has left behind all the Melas happening in the country. He awarded 17 craftsmen under various categories — Kalaratna, Kalamani, Kalanidhi and Kalashree. The winners were adjudged by a jury for their unique crafts showcased during the Mela.
Smt. Draupadi Murmu, Hon’ble Governor, Jharkhand stated that it was an honour for Jharkhand to be a part of this internationally acclaimed Mela in which their 350 cultural artistes and 87 craftspersons from Jharkhand showcased the best of their talent. He further added that during this Mela they constructed a commemorative gate and three more gates showcasing the national symbols of the state and flavours of Jharkhand was dished out at the Food Court. Hon’ble Governor further appreciated the contribution of all the State Government departments of Jharkhand especially the Jharkhand Tourism for putting up a grand show to showcase the finest rural traditions of Art, Culture & craft of Jharkhand State. Hon’ble Governor thanked the Government of Haryana for extending full cooperation to Jharkhand state in this regard.
Tourism Minister Ram Bilas Sharma, Egypt ambassador Hatem Tageldin, Aslam Akbarov from the Embassy of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyztan ambassador Maxwell Ranga were among present at the function. Dancers and artisans from various states and countries also performed. VS Kundu, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, read out the performance report of the mela . He said 202 artisans from 22 countries participated in the fair visited by 12.50 lakh people. The department earned Rs 4.50 crore revenue through the sale of entry tickets.
