Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said the skills and crafts of the local artisans need wider recognition and publicity.
While inaugurating the 'Hunar Haat', a Minority Affairs Ministry-organised platform for artisans from minority communities to showcase and sell their works, Singh said the handmade products not only require skill of hands but also involve the heart and mind of the artisan.
He added that the word 'Hunar' stands for "Hatho se banaya, Ummeedo se sajaya, Nafasat se tarasha, Achha munafa, Rozgar me izafa (Made with hands, decorated with hopes, delicately carved, good profit, increase in employment)."
Singh noted that there was a need to further publicise and recognise the skills and craft of master artisans who come from every corner of the country and far off places to participate in the "Hunar Haat".
He suggested that a portal should be developed for "Hunar Haat" and the platform further publicised at the national and international level.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said: "While on one hand, exquisite handicraft and handloom items made by master artisans from across the country are on display, on the other hand people can also enjoy traditional Indian music including Ghazals and Qawwalis."
Naqvi said that the idea behind "Hunar Haats" is to provide opportunities and domestic and international exposure to master artisans from across the country.
He said that over the last one year, the "Hunar Haats" organised in various cities across the country have been successful in providing employment opportunities to more than three lakh artisans and other people associated with them.
In the sixth "Hunar Haat", artisans from 22 states and union territories representing minority communities are participating. A large number of culinary experts from 12 states are also participating, Naqvi informed.
The "Hunar Haat", being held at Baba Kharak Singh Marg in Connaught Place here, will continue till February 18.
--IANS
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