CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurates “Raag – Bhopali 2020”
Bhopal : Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that the government is committed and resolved to providing employment to artisans engaged in this alongwith keeping the art of Zari-Zardozi alive. Chief Minister Shri Chouhan was speaking after inaugurating “Raag Bhopali 2020” at Gauhar Mahal. Medical Education Minister Shri Vishwas Sarang, MP Sushri Pragya Singh Thakur and senior officials were present on the occasion.
Initiative for Atmanirbhar Madhya Pradesh
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that he is making constant efforts to provide employment to women. He had issued instructions to the collector to ensure international recognition and market for traditional zari-zardozi work of Bhopal. “Raag – Bhopali 2020” is a beginning to this. He said that this event will yield good results and will provide employment to women. He said that this is the beginning of the promotion of “Ek Zila- Ek Shilp”.
CM Shri Chouhan interacts with Zari –Zardozi craftspersons
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan first met the women doing zari-zardozi work on reaching Gauhar Mahal and saw how the fine art work was done. He also studied the intricacies of Zardozi work from the craftspersons and said that this is the beginning, every effort will be made to provide you with a market, besides recognition to your work. The craftspersons also presented their crafts to the Chief Minister.
Kanya Pujan and worship of bamboo Ganesh
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan inaugurated “Raag-Bhopali 2020” after worshipping six Kanyas. Girls from different religions and sections were included in the Kanya-pujan. The Chief Minister worshiped Lord Ganesha made of bamboo and jute craft and also lit the lamps of the craft.
Promotion of Zari-Zardozi and jute craft sector
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan went to both Zari-Zardozi and Jute craft sector of Raag-Bhopali and also apprised himself with the specialities of the products from the craftsmen. He said that all possible measures will be taken to keep this traditional art alive.
Certificates distributed to craftspersons
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan honoured the craftspersons by giving them certificates for Zari-Zardozi training by Sant Ravidas M.P. Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation, Bhopal. The Corporation distributed equipments to 40 people including Sushri Ankita Jatav, Rajnandani Choudhary, Nanni Bai Ahirwar under the Advanced Tool Equipment Distribution Scheme. He gave away craftsmanship identity cards to 20 other craftspersons including Usha Ahirwar, Mohini Kishwad and Sarita Ahirwar.
CM becomes overwhelmed on seeing Zardozi work of 1938
Many Zari-Zardozi crafts of Bhopal have been displayed in the exhibition. One such craftsman Shri Mumtaz displayed Zardozi work on a dupatta with real silver and gold Zari of year 1938. Chief Minister Shri Chouhan was overwhelmed on seeing this art. He assured to make efforts to promote this art. Collector Shri Avinash Lavaniya also presented a replica of “Atmanirbhar – Raag Bhopali 2020” made of Zari-Zardozi and jute on the occasion.
CM wrote – All possible measures will be taken to ensure employment
Before leaving Gauhar Mahal, Chief Minister Shri Chouhan wrote in the visitors book that “Raag Bhopal’s artisans and our women have tried to link the zari work which has been going on in Bhopal for years with the market. We will make all possible efforts to ensure that this art flourishes and women and artisans continue to get employment.”