CM Rekha Gupta interacting with members of the potter community at Prajapati Mahakumbh on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: ANI
NEW DELHI
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday said her government will continue to work for the skill development, education, and empowerment of the Prajapati [potter] community, asserting that traditional craftsmanship reflects India’s cultural identity and deserves sustained support
.Addressing the Prajapati Mahakumbh, organised by the National Prajapati Federation at Adarsh Ramlila Ground, Narela, Ms. Gupta assured artisans that her government was taking strong steps to promote locally handcrafted products and make artisans self-reliant.
“Traditional craftsmanship is not merely a means of livelihood but a reflection of India’s rich cultural heritage. It is the government’s responsibility to preserve and strengthen it,” the Chief Minister said.
‘Meaningful change’
Noting that the potter community has long been denied the recognition and opportunities it deserves, she said her government is determined to bring about “meaningful and lasting change” for its upliftment.
At another event at Dilli Haat, Industries Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa attended a khadi fashion show by students of Miranda House, Hindu College, and Khalsa College as part of Khadi Utsav 2025 to promote handloom weavers and artisans engaged in handmade products.
“Khadi is the soul of our nation. It is not just fabric; it represents the dignity of labour and the heartbeat of rural India. Every metre of khadi we wear strengthens the hands of our artisans and supports the environment,” Mr. Sirsa said.
Swadeshi Deepavali
He said initiatives such as ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Swadeshi Apnao’ have rekindled national pride and self-reliance.
“When we promote khadi, we are choosing both employment and environmental conservation. Choosing imported products hurts our identity while choosing local restores it,” he said.
Mr. Sirsa said the government is working with students to inspire behavioural change and reduce dependence on imported goods.
The Delhi Khadi and Village Industries Board will soon launch a skill development programme and set up a Centre of Excellence to empower artisans and boost sustainable livelihoods.
“Let this Deepavali be a swadeshi Deepavali. When we buy from our artisans, we spread light from one Indian home to another. Swadeshi is not nostalgia, it is a modern statement of national pride,” the Minister said.
Published – October 06, 2025 01:35 am IST
