CM inaugurates weeklong Swadeshi Mela

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday (September 11) inaugurated the weeklong Swadeshi Mela being organised by Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM) backed by Centre for Bharatiya Management Development (CBMD) at the Exhibition Ground here. Chief Minister Patnaik lauded the utility of swadeshi products and hoped that the mela would serve as a better platform to showcase indigenous products in the State. As many as 500 stalls have been set up, in which farmers and traders from across the country have joined and displayed their natural products. Law and Industry Minister, Bishwa Bhusan Harichandan, while attending the Mela said that even despite the flow of multi-national companies, swadeshi products still maintain its quality in the market. In the face of domination of MNC products to the detriment of rural economy and artisans, the mela would create awareness about innovative and quality products from small and cottage enterprises and instill the 'Swadeshi thought', Harichandan said. "CBMD is of the view that indiscriminate globalisation of the Indian economy initiated in 1991 lacked adequate foresight", SJM national convener P Murlidhar Rao said. He further maintained that rural producers in the country have great potential and they always need right direction to improve their productivity. Speaking on this occasion RSS All India Boudhika Pramukha Dattatreya Hoswale hoped the mela will helpful to all rural producers. Meanwhile, the artists of Satabadira Kalakara staged Biplabi Krutibash, a play written by late Parsuram Harichandan and directed by Minister Harichandan on the opening day. Urban Development Minister KV Singh Deo, SJM national co-convener Saroj Mitra, BMC deputy Mayor Urmila Mohapatra, Khadi and Village Industry Board chairman Sameer Mohanty, Mela coordinator Golak Prasad Mohapatra were among those present. The Mela will continue October 17.