Union Minister Inaugurates Jodhpur Handicraft Expo, Handicrafts Are the Soul of Indian Civilization and the Strength of the Economy — Shekhawat

Jaipur, January 2026 : The Jodhpur Handicraft Expo, organized by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts at the Trade Facilitation Centre, was inaugurated under the chief patronage of Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. On this occasion, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Law and Legal Affairs Shri Jogaram Patel was also present.

Indian craft traditions get a global platform —

Shri Shekhawat said that India’s craft, woodwork, and color art are the vibrant identity of our civilization that is thousands of years old. Events like these provide new energy in preserving the country’s cultural heritage and taking it to the global stage.

Artisans have been following a tradition of creation for generations —

He said that the creativity of Indian artisans has developed generation after generation. This art is not only a symbol of skill but also an expression of cultural consciousness connected to the soul of India.

Indian art world is enriched with diversity —

The Culture Minister said that today the handicraft industry has received a new identity in various dimensions of the creative economy. While the art of some countries is limited to certain styles, Indian handicrafts are full of diversity and globally competitive.

Handicraft industry as a means of employment and inclusion —

Shri Shekhawat said that the handicraft industry plays an important role in decentralizing the economy as well as bridging the urban-rural gap. This sector is among the areas providing the maximum employment in the country.

From ‘Vocal for Local’ to ‘Local for Global,’ India —

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is progressing with the mantra of “Vocal for Local” and “Local for Global.” Amid global economic challenges, the government stands firmly with all trade sectors, including the handicraft industry.

Government working with the industry —

The Culture Minister said that the country is going through a period of transformation, and in this transformation, the government is working in partnership with the industry so that artisans and entrepreneurs can get opportunities for dignified livelihoods.

Dignitaries present —

The program was attended by APCIH Executive Director Shri Rajesh Rawat, Shri Nirmal Bhandari, Shri Hansraj Baheti, Shri Naresh Bothra, along with other representatives and handicraft entrepreneurs.