Udaipur: Tribal Area Development Minister Babulal Kharadi called for greater emphasis on indigenous products and traditional practices, saying people need to look beyond attractive packaging and reconnect with India’s indigenous roots.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the four-day MP Swadeshi Industrial Expo at the RCA Ground in Udaipur on Friday. Highlighting the quality of indigenous products and the significance of traditional Indian lifestyles, Kharadi said India had been a centre of knowledge and culture for centuries.
He said that earlier, people placed greater emphasis on living for society, while contemporary lifestyles often tend to focus on individual and family interests. He called for strengthening a sense of responsibility towards society and the nation.
The expo, aimed at promoting the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’, ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Make in India’, is being organised at the RCA Ground. Udaipur MP Dr Mannalal Rawat, who presided over the inaugural function, described the event as a platform to showcase Mewar’s business potential, traditional skills and entrepreneurship and help them gain wider recognition.
Dr Rawat said a proposal to develop ‘Mewar Mandapam’ in Udaipur on the lines of Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi had already been initiated and expressed confidence that collective efforts would help realise the project. Referring to the region’s GI-tagged products, he urged young people to explore entrepreneurship and local enterprise.
Udaipur Mayor Paras Singhvi, a special guest, linked the promotion of indigenous products with national self-respect and said the Municipal Corporation would make efforts to procure locally made indigenous products for its requirements.
City MLA Tarachand Jain said self-reliance strengthens confidence and that promoting indigenous products was central to the idea of an economically self-reliant India.
MPUAT Vice-Chancellor Dr Pratap Singh stressed the importance of promoting the university’s organic research and local skills, while BJP district president Gajpal Singh Rathore described Dr Rawat’s vision of a “Developed Mewar” as an important initiative.
Expo convenor Manoj Joshi, in his welcome address, highlighted the need for an international-level convention centre such as Mewar Mandapam in Udaipur to support the region’s growing industrial and business ecosystem.
The inaugural ceremony began with Vedic chanting. The chief guest and other dignitaries entered the venue after the traditional mauli ceremony. The event opened with the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ by 150 students of MDS School. The performance created a patriotic atmosphere across the venue, which later resonated with slogans of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”
The dignitaries visited the various stalls at the expo both before and after the inauguration ceremony. The programme was conducted by Dr Avnish Vyas, Pranay Tripathi, Jeet Chaudhary, Upasana Dashottar and Archana Joshi.
Administrative arrangements for the expo were overseen by Rajkumar Sharma, while Brajmohan Bhati was responsible for the control room and Umapratap Singh handled traffic and security arrangements. Dr Rajni Rawat, Seema Pareek, Rekha Rani Jain and Anita Joshi, among other women volunteers, were responsible for the Ahilyabai Dome.
Strong Footfall on Opening Day
The expo witnessed a strong public response on its opening day, with large crowds gathering at the Kumbha, Bhamashah and Ahilyabai Domes at the RCA Ground.
Visitors explored traditional handicrafts, high-tech industrial products, advanced agricultural technologies and Shri Anna-based products. The free ‘Pink Pari Club’ service operated by women e-rickshaw drivers from Fateh School also highlighted the message of women’s empowerment and self-reliance.
The four-day expo will remain open to the public and prospective entrepreneurs until October 5.