The State Government is determined to provide employment opportunities to artists of zari-zardozi art, which is on the verge of extinction, said Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday. The Chief Minister gave the above statement while inaugurating four-day ‘Raag-Bhopali’ exhibition at Gauhar Mahal. The event began with ‘Kanya Poojan’ of six girls, as decided by the Government earlier.

 

The Government is making continuous efforts to generate employment for women in the State, said CM Chouhan. He added that he had given instructions at recently held Collectors’ conference to provide international identity to traditional zari zardozi art. On reaching Gauhar Mahal, the Chief Minister interacted with women involved in work of zari zardozi. Chouhan was mesmerised with zari-zardozi work of 1983, which a woman artisan had exhibited. A ‘duppatta’ was embroidered with gold and silver, seeing which the CM said that such piece of art should be provided a platform in international market.

 

Chief Minister Chouhan honoured artisans of zari-zardozi with a certificate. MP Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation also distributed 40 artisans under Advanced Tool Equipment Distribution Scheme. He also gave away craftsmanship identity cards to 20 other craftsmen, including Usha Ahirwar, Mohini Kishwad and Sarita Ahirwar. On the occasion, Collector Avinash Lavania gifted the Chief Minister a replica of ‘Atmanirbhar Raag Bhopali’ made of zari zardozi and jute.