MP Praveen Patel Opens Divisional Khadi Expo at Magh Mela; Urges ‘Vocal for Local’

Prayagraj : Marking a significant step towards the "Swadeshi" movement, Member of Parliament for Phulpur, Praveen Patel, officially inaugurated the Divisional Level Khadi and Village Industries Exhibition at the Magh Mela-2026 on Friday. Located at the Parade Ground on Triveni Road, the exhibition is a strategic initiative by the Khadi and Village Industries Board to promote rural craftsmanship and self-reliance.

Strengthening the Rural Economy
Speaking at the event alongside Special Guest and MLC Surendra Chaudhary, MP Praveen Patel emphasized that Khadi is more than just fabric—it is a tool for economic upliftment. He noted that by integrating village industry products into daily life, citizens directly contribute to raising the living standards of traditional artisans, weavers, and craftsmen in rural India.

The MP further highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 'Vocal for Local' vision, describing it as the cornerstone of India’s modern economic progress and the success of the Swadeshi campaign.

A Pan-India Showcase of Craftsmanship
The exhibition, which runs through February 15th, features a sprawling layout of 210 stalls. It serves as a massive marketplace for high-quality goods from various states, including:

• Diverse Textiles: Katiya silk, Poly Khadi, cotton, and premium woolens.
• Regional Specialties: Participation from units across Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
• Artisanal Goods: A wide array of village industrial products designed for daily utility.

The program was hosted by District Village Industries Officer Jawahar Lal, who welcomed the dignitaries with traditional Khadi souvenirs. Key officials including Regional Rural Industries Officer U.P. Singh and Rajesh Kumar Singh were in attendance to ensure the smooth execution of the month-long event. The inaugural ceremony concluded with a collective appeal to the public to support local entrepreneurs.

(Report by Zainul Abdin)