Ten days long State level Exhibition ”Khadi Mahotsav 2023” has been inaugurated at IDCO Exhibition Ground, Unit-III, Kharavela Nagar,  Bhubaneshwar (Odisha). Vast array of Khadi and Village Industry products manufactured by the rural artisans and PMEGP entrepreneurs of Odisha will be displayed and sold in the exhibition.  Further, many rural artisans and PMEGP Entrepreneurs of Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have also participated in the exhibition with their unique products.   Products  of Khadi Institutions and PMEGP entrepreneurs of Odisha as well as somer other States will be exhibited in more than 90 stalls. 

The live demonstrations by the artisans of spinning, weaving, terracotta and Paper Mache  activities, have been  major attraction of the Exhibition. It signifies India’s stride towards self-sustainability. This Exhibition is expected to attract Khadi Lovers in large numbers. The exhibition is scheduled to continue till 2nd march, 2023.

Today, the Exhibition has been inaugurated by Shri Manoj Kumar, Hon’ble Chairman, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC). Shri Manoj Kumar, Hon’ble Chairman, KVIC addressing to the artisans and PMEGP entrepreneurs recalled the clarion call ‘Vocal for Local’ given by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. He informed that such exhibitions are now being organized by the KVIC throughout the country so that the products of our rural artisans and entrepreneurs can be recognized in big cities.   He advised artisans and entrepreneurs of Odisha to take advantage of it and participate in the exhibitions being organized by KVIC in other big cities as well as abroad. Shri Manoj Kumar informed that dream of Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi to make India “Atmanirbhar” can only be achieved by empowering our rural artisans and entrepreneurs. Therefore, the Government is focusing on creating enabling environment for the artisans living in the villages. He informed that Hon’ble Prime Minister has been referring to Khadi in almost all important occasions such as Republic day, Independence Day, Parliament, “Man ki Baat”  etc.. As a result, the popularity of Khadi  has reached a new height today.  He wished that Khadi Mahotsav-2023 in Bhubaneswar may be a huge success. 
Shri S S Sil, Deputy CEO ( Eastern Zone), KVIC;  Shri Sudam Charan Mandal, Secretary,  Odisha Khadi and Village Industries Board; Shri Sami Kumar Mohanty, State Director, KVIC; Shri Sanjeeb Poswal, Director, KVIC and the representatives of all Khadi Institutions of Odisha were present.

After conclusion of inaugural program, Shri Manoj Kumar, Hon'ble Chairman, KVIC interacted with the representatives and artisans of Khadi Institutions of Odisha and listened to their concerns. Most of the representatives of Odisha demanded to open a raw material bank for silk khadi in Odisha. The Chairman, KVIC has  assured to look into the problem.

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RoM
 

(Release ID: 1901368)