CM inaugurates Diwali Mela at Surajkund, Faridabad
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini said that PM Narendra Modi has set a vision to make India a developed nation by 2047, and the path to achieving this goal lies through ‘Vocal for Local’, self-reliance, and Swadeshi. He was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the Diwali Mela at Surajkund, Faridabad, on Thursday.
Earlier, the Chief Minister paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries. He also extended greetings to the people of the state on the festival of Vijayadashami.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that this year’s Diwali Mela to be held in Surajkund is themed ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ – ‘Swadeshi Mela’ and ‘We Unite Families'. Drawing parallels with India’s freedom movement, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that just as the Swadeshi movement strengthened our struggle for independence, it will also empower India’s journey toward prosperity. He urged people to buy Made-in-India products that carry the hard work of Indian youth. History tells us that when India was known as the Golden Bird, Swadeshi played a major role in our prosperity, he added.
Mela to promote culture, artisans, and local trade
The Chief Minister said that the Diwali Mela, which will be organized till October 7, serves as a vibrant platform for festivities, local business, culture, and art. He noted that the mela also boosts the morale of artisans across the country. When you purchase products from here, you not only encourage artisans but also contribute to making India self-reliant, he said.
Saini said that a nationwide Aatmanirbhar Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan is being organized to turn the Swadeshi pledge into a people’s movement. This campaign will continue till December 25, the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister, Sh. Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the artworks, products, music, and performances displayed at the mela reflect a miniature image of India. The Cultural Zone showcases the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.” The mela also offers rural producers an opportunity to understand urban consumer preferences.
He praised the Tourism Department, artisans, and performing groups for organizing the event. Earlier, he visited the mela grounds and interacted with participants to encourage them.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister also released a coffee table book prepared by the Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department.
Adopting Swadeshi will make India self-reliant- Dr. Arvind Sharma
Co-operation, Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma while welcoming the Chief Minister at the inauguration ceremony said that inspired by Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s call, the country is moving ahead with Swadeshi products, which play a vital role in achieving self-reliance.
He highlighted that in line with the Prime Minister’s vision , the Chief Minister had announced in his Budget speech that Melas would be organized across Haryana to promote Swadeshi products. Acting on this, the Tourism Department has successfully hosted the Mango Mela, followed by the Rakhigarhi Mela, and now the Diwali Mela at Surajkund. Starting today and continuing till October 7, the mela will showcase Swadeshi products at nearly 450 stalls, he said.