Vice President Declares Artisans as Guardians of India's Civilizational Continuity at Faridabad Expo

In a formal address at the Faridabad International Crafts Exposition, the Vice President of India has elevated the discourse surrounding traditional artisans by designating them as custodians of the nation's civilizational heritage. This pronouncement, delivered at the inaugural ceremony of the event, frames artisanal work not merely as economic activity but as a vital conduit for cultural preservation and national identity. The exposition, scheduled from January 31 to February 15, serves as a strategic platform, aggregating premier traditions in handicrafts, handlooms, cultural performances, and regional cuisines from across India's diverse states alongside select international participants. This convergence underscores a deliberate effort to showcase the depth and resilience of indigenous craftsmanship on a global stage. The Vice President's statement analytically positions these artisans as the frontline defenders against cultural homogenization, their skills representing living archives of historical techniques and aesthetic philosophies. The event itself functions as both a market and a museum, facilitating economic engagement while simultaneously performing a critical curatorial role in the safeguarding of intangible heritage. This formal recognition by high office signals a potential shift in policy narratives, potentially aligning cultural preservation more closely with national development strategies.