In the context of Make in India and exporting the country's products to the world, there is a need to promote local artisans and craftspersons, said Deputy Speaker and Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza.
He was speaking after inaugurating the Utsav Rajasthan Grameem Mela exhibition cum sale at Hotel Mapusa Residency on Wednesday.
The Deputy Speaker spent considerable time to view and enquire about various handmade products that are on sale at the venue.
Stating that this is the first time he has seen intricate designs of numerous products under one roof, D’Souza urged people of Goa, especially Mapusa, to visit the exhibition.
“This was an opportunity for me to see artisans from various parts of the country. They have various techniques and designs. There are so many types of fabrics. The items have minute, intricate details and designs, which I have seen for the first time in one place. There are a variety of items here,” he said.
The exhibition venue is located near Gandhi Circle, near Mapusa Bus Stand.
Organiser of the exhibition, Dinesh Sharma from Rajasthan said that these products are purchased directly from the people who make these handmade products at their units.
“Sellers from nearly 12 states have arrived here. Stone jewellery which include precious and semi-precious, bedsheets like those from Rajasthan which are made using handblocks, khadi sets, Jaipur handblock print sets, sarees from Bengal, handloom and various other items are being sold. Most of these items are handmade. In Goa, we come twice a year. There is an overwhelming response from Goans who like our items. We also go to Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh,” he said.
Sharma said that there are a total of 35 stalls selling swadeshi products.
“This is the idea of a united India. It is an ⁠important platform for artisans who have been in their traditional occupations for generations. We have brought these weavers here to showcase their products and this will ensure that their traditional legacy will remain alive for years ahead,” he added.