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Surajkund mela binds people, says Pranab Mukherjee

SURAJKUND: The 22nd edition of the Surajkund Crafts Mela was inaugurated by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee here on Friday amid beating of drums and colourful folk dances by artistes from West Bengal.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mukherjee said: “For many years the Surajkund Crafts Mela has come to occupy an important place in the national calendar. The mela is being held in Haryana -- the land of Kurukshetra. And this year West Bengal has been chosen as the theme State. West Bengal is the land of new renaissance that has contributed to the emancipation of this great country. I think this confluence between the two States is very significant.”

At congregations like the Surajkund Crafts Mela, people meet without any inhibitions, he said and added: “There is free, frank and candid exchange of ideas. Most importantly, craftspersons who are not recognised but are talented and produce beautiful craftsmanship are brought to light.”

Earlier, the External Affairs Minister was given a traditional welcome by a group of cheerful folk dancers from West Bengal. The Minister conversed with some of the exhibitors and appreciated their artefacts. He showed a keen interest in “Apna Ghar” where a family from a village in Bengal is showcasing the lifestyle of rural people of that State.

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the mela has put his State on the international map. “The mela is aimed at not only providing entertainment and a wonderful shopping experience but also making it a learning experience for visitors. To make the mela even more interesting and colourful, many new features have been added this year.”

Besides setting up the Surajkund Design Galleries as a platform for interaction between designers and artisans, the mela will organise a photography competition. The 15-day show will see the participation of craftspersons from SAARC member-countries, serve special Thai cuisine and lip-smacking delicacies from West Bengal, he added.

Taking a trip down memory lane, Haryana Tourism Minister Kiran Choudhry described the mela as the brainchild of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi: “Rajivji had conceptualised the idea of bringing together craftspersons from across the country under one roof so that they could showcase their craftsmanship.”

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