UNION Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Saturday said ‘Hunar Haat’, a programme to promote traditional arts and crafts, has been able to help artisans of the country and ensure their socio-economic upliftment. It has proved to be a “partner to protect, preserve and promote” the legacy of craftsmen, the Minority Affairs Minister said. Speaking at the inauguration of the first ‘Hunar Haat’ in the north-east region, Naqvi said this initiative has brought revolutionary changes in the lives of artisans by ensuring their socio-economic empowerment. Around 700 craftsmen from 30 States and Union Territories are participating in the market-linkage initiative in Assam’s Guwahati, which will continue till March 20, according to an official release.

 

‘Hunar Haat’ is an “efficient effort to empower artisans and craftsmen”, Naqvi said. Notably, a target was set to generate employment opportunities for 7.5 lakh artisans and craftsmen through 75 ‘Hunar Haat’, to be organised across the country as a part of “Amrit Mahotsav” of 75 years of India’s Independence. The programme in Guwahati is the 38th ‘Hunar Haat’. Speaking on the occasion, Sarma said this programme is a potential platform to promote India’s rich legacy of arts and crafts.