Dignitaries, invitees, dear friends.

I welcome you all to Raj Bhavan for this Grand Exhibition on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.

This exhibition is a result of the collaboration between Raj Bhavan and the Commerce & Industries Department.

And importantly, I thank the Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India for providing substantial financial assistance for the conduct of this expo.

While I was the Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha from Visakhapatnam, I had organised similar exhibitions at my constituency.

The main idea behind this event is the promotion of local goods and artisans, in line with Gandhiji’s philosophy.

As we all know, the Swadeshi Movement was an important event in our struggle for freedom.

Gandhiji described Swadeshi as the Soul of Swaraj.

Self-sufficiency in all respects was the important goal of the National Movement.

Gandhiji was focused on handloom and handicrafts as important tools for attaining economic independence.

He stressed on the importance of domestic production, in order to free ourselves from foreign rule.

Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji has continued in the same spirit with his calls for Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, Vocal for Local, etc.

As the Governor of Mizoram, I have travelled to all the districts of the State.

I have seen that we have massive potential in various sectors.

In the absence of big industries, I believe that we must promote activities such as handloom and handicrafts, food processing, etc.

These and other micro, small and medium industries can help transform our State’s economy.

The Union Government has many schemes under which sincere artisans and workers can be supported.

Recently, Hon’ble Prime Minister launched the PM Vishwakarma, a Central Sector Scheme, to provide end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 trades.

The various benefits of this Scheme include credit support of uptoRs. 3 lakh in two tranches of Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh.

And in order to show our own support to the local hard-working artisans, I make an appeal to all the visitors of this Exhibition to purchase at least one item.

The invitees who have gathered here for this Inaugural function are important officials in the government, banking sector, education and civil society.

We have a special responsibility to support and promote these economic activities as we aim to achieve a New India.

I urge you to make the best use of your position and your resources towards this end.

Once again, I thank the Commerce & Industries Department for organising this Grand Exhibition.

I invite all the people of Mizoram to visit this Exhibition.

I request everyone to purchase at least one item in support of our artisans.

With these few words, I hereby inaugurate The Grand Exhibition on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.

Thank you.

Jai Hind.