The 15-day long 27th Surajkund International Crafts Mela concluded on Friday with the Governor's announcement of officially closing the fair.
"I declare to official closing the 27th Surajkund International Crafts fair today," said Jagannath Pahadia, Governor of Haryana while delivering his valedictory speech on 15th February 2013. Pahadia was the Chief Guest on this occasion.
Appreciating the role of the artisans and artists in the safeguarding the traditional crafts and culture of the country, Governor said that history of ancient civilization is connected with the development of crafts and culture. The crafts products, the artifacts and cultural presentations are symbol of country's rich heritage. The participation of different countries in this Mela has given it an international look.
He called upon the youth to continue this tradition and strengthen the national integration.
Apprizing the contribution of theme state Karnataka, Pahadia said that handicrafts and handlooms of Karnataka are famous in the world. In the Mela, the Aapna Ghar of Karnataka had been the center of attraction for the visitors.
"It is a matter of pride that Mela provides a strong platform to the art lovers. Mela has given an opportunity to the exporters and crafts persons to deal with each other without middlemen. They also learn from the experience of each other and improve their art," he added.
Pahadia congratulated the organizers for successfully organizing the Mela. He also gave away the Kalamani, Kalanidhi, and Kalashree awards to the best artisans, who participated in the Mela. They were provided with prize money of Rs. 11000, 5100 and 2100 each respectively along with certificates.
He also awarded Surajkund Tradition awards, which went to Bhutan's painter and artist Shri Tendaurji.
Karnataka Tourism Minister, Anand Singh said that participation of Karnataka in the Mela is just a beginning of a long journey. He thanked the Surajkund Mela Authority and particularly the officers of Haryana Tourism for their Cooperation.
Haryana CPS of Tourism, Ram Kishan Fouji expressed his gratitude to the Governor for having graced the occasion. He said that numbers of facilities have been increased this time and more visitors have come to see Mela as compared to last year.
The Additional Chief Secretary of Tourism of Karnataka Arvind Jadhav, Principal Secretary Tourism of Haryana Vijay Vardhan, MD of Haryana Tourism Corporation Mr Anand Mohan Sharan also spoke on this occasion. Mr Sharan said that over 1200 artisans and 600 artists participated in this year's Mela. It will be our effort to maintain the benchmark established by Karnataka in the coming Melas also.
A cultural programme was presented in the concluding function of the Mela by the artists of Asam, Guinea, Congo and the theme State Karnataka.
Traditional Craft Award - is the biggest award of this fair amounting Rs. 21,000 cash prize and a certificate.
Bhutanese painter Shri Tendaurji was selected for his finest painting.
Kala Mani Award - is the honour bestowed on the craftsperson for their inimitable skills in arts and crafts.
Kala Nidhi Award - is an award bestowed on the craftsperson for very skilled and profound works in their crafts.
Kala Shri - is an award bestowed on craftsperson for innovation in their crafts.
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