Himachal Governor Says Viksit Bharat Vision Must Begin at the Village Level

SHIMLA, Nov 11: Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta on Wednesday emphasised that the vision of a developed India by 2047 can only be achieved through the progress of rural communities, economic empowerment of farmers, promotion of traditional crafts and active participation of young people.

Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the historic International Lavi Fair at Rampur in Shimla district, the Governor said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ was a shared national responsibility that required development initiatives to reach every village.

He observed that the country’s progress should not be measured solely through achievements in major cities but also through improved livelihoods, self-reliance and opportunities available to people in rural areas.

“India’s development will be driven by prosperous villages, skilled artisans and ambitious young people. When rural communities become economically strong and self reliant, the vision of Viksit Bharat will move closer to reality,” Gupta said.

Encouraging young people to make the most of various initiatives introduced by the Union government, he urged them to develop entrepreneurial skills and create employment opportunities instead of depending exclusively on conventional jobs.

The Governor also highlighted the importance of the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign and appealed to visitors attending the fair to support indigenous businesses by purchasing locally produced goods.

He said buying products made by local artisans was a meaningful way of recognising their craftsmanship and supporting the financial stability of their families. Even small purchases, he added, could make a significant difference to the livelihoods of traditional producers.

Referring to the nearly four-century-old International Lavi Fair, Gupta described it as an important reflection of Himachal Pradesh’s historical, cultural and commercial heritage. He said the event had maintained its significance over generations by bringing together traders, artisans and communities through established traditions of commerce and cultural exchange.

According to the Governor, the fair represents the values of mutual cooperation, social harmony and brotherhood while providing an opportunity to preserve the state’s distinctive cultural identity.

He stressed the need to expand the reach of traditional Himachali products, including Kinnauri caps, woollen clothing, handicrafts and agricultural goods, by connecting local producers with wider markets across India and abroad.

Gupta suggested that digital platforms could play an important role in promoting these products, enabling artisans and small-scale producers to reach customers beyond their immediate geographical areas.

He further encouraged the younger generation to embrace technological advancements and modern education while remaining connected to their cultural heritage and traditional values.

Drawing attention to environmental conservation, the Governor appealed to residents and tourists to protect Himachal Pradesh’s ecologically sensitive surroundings. He emphasised maintaining cleanliness, reducing plastic consumption and adopting responsible practices to preserve the state’s natural resources.

Gupta also acknowledged the contributions of the organising committee, district administration and other stakeholders in ensuring the continuation of the historic fair.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Shimla and Chairman of the International Lavi Fair Organising Committee, Anupam Kashyap, briefed the Governor about the arrangements and initiatives introduced during this year’s event.

Kashyap said that an essay-writing competition based on the history of the Lavi Fair had been organised for school students for the first time. The initiative aimed to familiarise children with the event’s historical importance by encouraging them to gather information from their families and senior members of the community.

He also highlighted efforts to provide better marketing opportunities to self-help groups, Farmer Producer Organisations, horticulturists and small scale industries through dedicated platforms at the fair.

The organising committee had also prioritised local performers in the cultural programmes, ensuring representation of the diverse artistic traditions and cultural heritage of different districts across Himachal Pradesh.

Following the inauguration ceremony, the Governor visited the exhibition area and inspected stalls displaying Kinnauri handicrafts, traditional products and other locally manufactured goods. He also toured exhibitions organised by various government departments as part of the annual event.