Guwahati: In a move set to invigorate tourism in the Northeastern region while empowering artisans from both the NorthEast and Haryana, the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation Ltd. (NEHHDC) has taken a groundbreaking step by becoming a theme State in the annual ‘Surajkund Mela’ for the next 5 years.
Designating Northeastern Region as the Focus Region for the next five years at the prestigious Surajkund International Craft Mela, a renowned global cultural and crafts exhibition, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Department of Heritage & Tourism, Government of Haryana, and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and NEHHDC.
The MoU signed will promote bilateral, cross-cultural exchange and promotion of handicrafts, handlooms, textiles, crafts, culture, and cuisine of both Haryana and North East India, signifying a positive step towards fostering deeper appreciation and understanding of the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of these regions among people, while also opening up new economic markets for their products.
NEHHDC through its partnership with Haryana Tourism Corporation for the next five years in this event is poised to offer a unique platform for artisans from the Northeastern Region to showcase their exquisite handcrafted products, traditional art forms, and rich cultural heritage to a global audience.
According to the MoU, NEHHDC will be given a free zone with 60 stalls in which to put up their stalls and showcase their products, particularly those related to arts, crafts, handlooms, and handicrafts and cuisine. This significant and historic partnership aligns seamlessly with the objectives of 'Dekho Apna Desh’ and ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, under the guidance of Minister for DoNER G. Kishan Reddy as it promises to boost tourism, strengthen cultural ties, and create new economic avenues for artisans.
The Surajkund International Craft Mela will not only serve as a melting pot of diverse cultures but also as a beacon of economic empowerment for artisans from the North East and Haryana, catalyzing the exchange of knowledge, skills, and traditions, according to NEHHDC.
"NEHHDC on behalf of the Department of Heritage & Tourism, Government of Haryana will coordinate and communicate with relevant departments, event organizers, and agencies to provide multiple platforms for participation in important festivals in the north east, such as the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, the Mon Festival in Nagaland, the Sangai Festival in Manipur, the Cherry Blossom Festival in Meghalaya, and the Ziro Music Festival in Arunachal Pradesh", said Brigadier Rajiv Kumar Singh (Retd). Managing Director of NEHHDC.
The MoU was signed in the presence of distinguished officials, including Chanchal Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of DoNER, and M.D. Sinha, Principal Secretary of the Government of Haryana.
ALSO READ: Assam's transport sector grows up to 40% in 2 years
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
