- Urges artisans to take benefit of central sponsored schemes to strengthen their livelihoods while preserving traditional skills
Governor Kavinder Gupta today called for harnessing the State’s rich natural and cultural heritage, local resources and human potential to create new opportunities for youth, entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans and women, while strengthening Himachal Pradesh’s contribution to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
The Governor was speaking as the Chief Guest at the inauguration of the 3rd Destination Himachal Expo @2026 on the theme ‘Viksit Bharat–Viksit Himachal’, organised at the historic Chowgan in Chamba.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said the expo provides an important platform to connect people with opportunities in employment, entrepreneurship, technology, skill development and various government initiatives.
The Governor said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is moving steadily towards self-reliance, innovation and inclusive growth, with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 serving as a national resolve. He emphasized that the vision can be realised only when every state, district and village contributes to the nation’s progress.
Highlighting the importance of connectivity, Kavinder Gupta said that initiatives such as the Atal Tunnel and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana have opened new possibilities for remote and hilly areas by improving access to markets, tourism and economic opportunities. Better connectivity, he said, should also ensure improved access to education, healthcare and employment for people in far-flung areas.
The Governor stressed the need to leverage Chamba’s tourism potential by promoting rural, religious and adventure tourism along with homestays. These sectors, he said, can create meaningful opportunities for local youth and women while strengthening the region’s economy. He also called for ensuring that economic activity remains environmentally sustainable and protects the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Referring to Chamba Rumal and the State’s traditional handicrafts, woodcraft, local food products, agriculture and horticulture, Kavinder Gupta called for linking local products with modern design, quality standards, digital marketing and wider markets. He said the Prime Minister’s call for ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Make in India’ can give greater visibility and market access to local artisans and entrepreneurs.
The Governor highlighted the PM Vishwakarma scheme as an important initiative for traditional artisans and craftspeople, providing support through skill upgradation, modern tools, financial assistance and market linkages. He urged artisans in Chamba to make full use of such opportunities to strengthen their livelihoods while preserving traditional skills.
Emphasizing the importance of agriculture and horticulture to the rural economy, Kavinder Gupta called for greater use of modern technology, food processing, value addition and improved market linkages to create additional income opportunities for farmers.
Calling upon young people to become job creators rather than merely job seekers, the Governor said tourism, agriculture, technology, food processing and handicrafts offer considerable scope for entrepreneurship. He encouraged youth to utilise Central Government schemes, skill training and institutional support to build enterprises and create opportunities within their own communities.
The Governor appreciated the participation of various ministries, scientific institutions, public sector undertakings and skill development organisations in the expo. He expressed hope that the interactions at the event would lead to tangible outcomes through training, technical support, market linkages, entrepreneurship and employment generation.
Kavinder Gupta said that the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 will gain momentum when farmers prosper, youth become self-reliant, women are economically empowered, local enterprises flourish and the country’s cultural heritage is preserved. He congratulated the organisers, particularly Dr. Rajiv Bhardwaj and the team of Avishkar Exhibition and Promotion, for organising the 3rd Destination of Himachal Expo @ 2026 and wished the event success.
Earlier, Member of Parliament Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj welcomed the Governor and honoured him with a traditional cap, shawl and memento.
In his welcome address, Dr. Bhardwaj said that the Third Destination Himachal Expo @2026 was an important initiative towards advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He emphasised that transforming Chamba from an aspirational district into a source of inspiration required collective efforts by the administration, public representatives and local residents. The district’s natural resources, rich cultural heritage, tourism potential and local products, he said, could open new pathways for development.
