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New Delhi : PM Narendra Modi, in the 9th Episode of his ‘Mann Ki Baat 2.0’ on AIR o February 23, 2020, said that listening to a divyang woman at the ‘Hunar Haat’ recently was a source of fulfilment. ” She told me that earlier she used to sell paintings on the pavement. Her life changed after she connected with Hunar Haat. Today, she is not only self- reliant; she has purchased a house too,” the PM said and added that at Hunar Haat, he got the opportunity to converse with many other artisans.
“I am told that over 50 per cent of the crafts persons participating at Hunar Haat are women. Also, during the last three years, through Hunar Haat, close to three lakh artisans and crafts persons have gained many opportunities of employment. Hunar Haat, of course, is a platform showcasing art and craft; it is also lending wings to people’s dreams. It is a venue where it is impossible to overlook the country’s diversity. Besides handicrafts, it displays the diversity of India’s varied cuisine too. In a single row, one could savour the sight of Idli- Dosa, Chhole- Bhature, Daal- Baati, Khaman- Khandvi & what not! I thoroughly enjoyed having the delicious Litti- Chokha of Bihar. All over India, fairs and exhibitions such as this are organised from time to time. Whenever the opportunity arises, one should attend such events to know India, to experience India,” PM Modi said.
At the Hunar Haat in Delhi, I witnessed hues of our country’s diverse expanse, cultures, traditions, cuisines and the warmth of emotions, the PM said. As a matter of fact the repertoire comprising traditional attires, handicrafts, carpets, utensils, Bamboo & brass products, Phulkari of Punjab, exotic leatherwork of Andhra Pradesh, beautiful paintings from Tamilnadu, brass products of Uttar Pradesh, Bhadohi carpets, copper work of Kutch, a number of musical instruments; the vivid mosaic of pan- Indian art and culture was truly unique, he said, according to a PIB release.
The PM said throughout the year, India is home to many migratory species. We are told that more than 500 varieties of birds fly in from varied regions, he said.
“Recently, Gandhinagar was host to the COP- 13 convention, where this phenomenon was mulled over, discussed and deliberated. India’s efforts concerning the subject were lauded too. Friends, it is a matter of pride for us that for the next three years, India will chair the COP convention on migratory species. While discussing the COP convention with you, an important piece of information connected with Meghalaya drew my attention. Very recently, biologists have discovered a new species of fish whose habitat is within the caves of Meghalaya. It is believed that this fish is the largest among aquatic species found under the surface of caves. It lives in deep, dark underground caves, with little chance of light reaching in. Scientists are perplexed at the ability of this large fish to survive in such deep caves. It is a matter of joy that our India, and especially Meghalaya is home to a rare species. It lends a new facet to India’s bio-diversity,” the PM said.
The PM said that he would like to convey to another exciting piece of information. ” I’d read the comment of Paras from Dhanbad, Jharkhand, on Namo App. Paras wants me to tell our young friends about ISRO’s ‘Yuvika’ programme. ‘Yuvika’ is a very commendable effort on part of ISRO to integrate the youth with science. This programme was launched for school students in 2019. ‘Yuvika’ is an acronym for ‘ Yuva Vigyani Karyakram’ and this program is in consonance with our vision, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhaan’. In this programme, students, after their exams, during their holidays, visit different centres of ISRO and learn about Space Technology, Space Science and Space Applications,” he said.