Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said here recently that the Modi Government has constructed the “highway of development” by removing the “speed breaker” of religion, region and caste through the “Hunar Haat,” which is a part of this “highway” from where the “vehicle of empowerment of artisans” is moving forward.

The ‘Hunar Haat’, which was organized here by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Govt. of India, was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the presence of Naqvi at the MMRDA Grounds in the BandraKurla Complex and will run from December 21 to 31. Around 101 master artisans and culinary experts from 21 states including a large number of women, from every corner of the country are participating in this “Hunar Haat.”

Noting that “Hunar Haat”, which is being organised across the country by the Ministry, has proved to be an “Empowerment & Employment Exchange” for master artisans and craftsmen, Naqvi said employment-oriented programmes of the Modi Government like “Hunar Haat” have significantly encouraged and promoted the rich traditional heritage of master artisans, which had been marginalised for a long time.

“Hunar Haat” has become a “credible brand” to fulfill Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s commitment to “Make in India”, “Stand up India”, “Startup India”. During the last one year, “Hunar Haat”, organised at various parts of the country, has been successful in providing employment and employment opportunities to more than 1.5 lakh artisans and other people associated with them. Our target is to provide employment and employment opportunities to about 5 lakh people through “Hunar Haat,” he said, he said adding that “Hunar Haat” has been successful in providing national and international markets and employment-employment opportunities to master artisans and craftsmen.

The event showcased artisans and their exquisite works, traditional cuisine, besides for the first time, Silver Filigree products from Odisha and ‘Willow Bats’ from J&K being displayed also. Entertainment too was on the menu through Qawwali, Sufi songs, dance performances and other cultural programs featuring renowned artists.

Earlier, “Hunar Haat” had been organised at Allahabad (Sept, 2018), Pragati Maidan (2016, 2017, 2018) and Baba Kharak Singh Marg (2017, 2018) at New Delhi; Puducherry (2017, 2018) and Mumbai (2017). In the coming days, “Hunar Haat” will be organised at Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi (January 2019), Goa (February 2019) and other states of the country.

Shabnam B from Madhya Pradesh highlighted beautiful ‘conework’, while Vepra Nyekha came from Nagaland with her woodwork and basketry, that included broaches used as tiepins, carved hornbill representing the wildlife, mugs made of natural bamboo and Naga plates. 68-year-old Syed Anis of Hinganghat, Wardha in Maharashtra showcased unique embroidery skills including stitching up a portrait of World leader Nelson Mandela that took him three years to complete and sell for Rs 65,000.

Earlier, the event witnessed a scintillating booming three-hour display – despite the hot sun — by a Maharashtra band whose ‘tiprules’ and baton beats had the crowd clapping for more.