CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Attends Handloom and Handicraft Development Council Program at CM Residence

Sept 2025 : Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday participated in a program organized by the Uttarakhand Handloom and Handicraft Development Council at the Mukhya Sevak Sadan located in the Chief Minister’s residence.

On this occasion, he inspected various stalls based on handicrafts and honored 11 individuals with the Uttarakhand Shilp Ratna Award. Those honored included Smt. Janki Devi and Smt. Bhagirathi Devi from Uttarkashi; Shri Indra Singh from Bageshwar; Shri Laxman Singh and Shri Bhupendra Singh Bisht from Almora; Shri Jeevan Chandra Joshi and Shri Mohan Chandra Joshi from Haldwani (Nainital); Shri Janki Bisht from Narayan Nagar Mallital, Nainital; Shri Jagdish Pandey from Quality Colony, Halduchaur, Haldwani; Shri Pradeep Kumar and Smt. Guddi Devi from Chamoli; and Shri Mahimanand Tiwari from Uttarkashi.

The Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand’s weaving and handicraft traditions are renowned for their diversity, traditional designs, and quality. He described the state’s artisans and weavers as custodians of its cultural heritage.

The program began with the Chief Minister paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the recent disasters in different regions of the state and expressing condolences to the affected families. He assured that the state government is committed to carrying out rehabilitation work in disaster-affected areas with sensitivity and speed.

Highlighting the state’s craft heritage, he said that Harsil’s woolen shawls, Munsiyari–Dharchula’s Thulma, Almora’s tweed, Chinka’s Pankhi, and the Pichora designs have given Uttarakhand recognition not only at the national level but also in global markets. He also noted that today, garments made from hemp and bamboo fibers are witnessing special demand across the country.

The Chief Minister added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, initiatives such as Vocal for Local, Local to Global, and Make in India are proving to be milestones in the socio-economic upliftment of artisans and weavers. Through schemes like Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana, National Handloom Development Program, and Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman, the holistic development of artisans and weavers is being ensured.

He further said that the state government is also promoting local products through initiatives such as the Shilpi Pension Scheme, Shilp Ratna Award, empowerment of weaver clusters, skill development training, fairs and exhibitions, and e-commerce platforms for marketing and publicity.

Recalling the Prime Minister’s call for the use of indigenous products, the Chief Minister said that if every citizen gives priority to indigenous goods, this step will strengthen the resolve of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and at the same time give new energy to artisans, craftsmen, and farmers. He expressed confidence that the artisans and weavers of Uttarakhand, with their creativity and tradition, will play a vital role in making the state self-reliant and one of the leading states of the country.

On this occasion, Vice Chairman of the Uttarakhand Handloom and Handicraft Development Council Shri Virendra Datt Semwal, MLA Smt. Sarita Arya, Shri Suresh Gadiya, Chairperson of the Child Commission Dr. Geeta Khanna, Secretary of Industries Shri Vinay Shankar Pandey, Director General of Industries Dr. Saurabh Gaharwar, and artisans from across the state were present.

(Department of Information and Public Relations)