JAMMU, Oct 20: An Artisan Bazar was inaugurated at Panch Mandir, Channi, with MLA Bahu Constituency Vikram Randhawa attending the event as the Chief Guest. Social activist and Chairman of Samvedna Society Keshav Chopra and Pushpinder Singh Charak were present as Guests of Honour.
The bazaar aims to provide a platform for local artisans, women entrepreneurs and small business owners to showcase their products, promote traditional crafts and strengthen the local economy.
The initiative reflects the spirit of the Vocal for Local campaign and Atmanirbhar Bharat, encouraging people to support homegrown businesses and appreciate the craftsmanship, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of local producers.
Addressing the gathering, Vikram Randhawa appreciated the initiative and stressed the need to create better opportunities for local artisans and entrepreneurs. He said such platforms enable local producers to connect directly with customers, generate livelihood opportunities and preserve the region’s rich cultural heritage.
He urged people to support local businesses and contribute to strengthening Jammu’s economy by purchasing locally manufactured and handmade products. He further observed that initiatives promoting traditional handicrafts and small-scale enterprises could play a significant role in empowering artisans, particularly women entrepreneurs, while encouraging self-reliance and entrepreneurship among the youth.
Speaking on the occasion, Keshav Chopra appealed to people to adopt the Vocal for Local campaign in their everyday lives. He described local markets as an important pillar of the economy, stating that purchases from local shopkeepers, artisans and small businesses directly support families, generate employment and strengthen communities.
“I appeal to everyone to promote Vocal for Local and make a conscious effort to purchase goods from our local markets. Every purchase we make from a local artisan, shopkeeper or small entrepreneur helps support a family and strengthens our economy. We should give preference to locally made products and encourage our own people rather than unnecessarily depending on foreign brands and imported goods. Let us reduce our dependence on foreign companies wherever locally made alternatives are available and work together to make Jammu economically stronger and self-reliant,” Chopra said.
The Artisan Bazar is expected to encourage greater public participation in supporting handmade products, traditional crafts, local enterprises and women-led businesses. It also provides visitors with an opportunity to explore unique products while contributing directly to the livelihoods of local producers.
The bazaar was organised through the efforts of Priya Gupta, Anita Sharma, Deepali Handa and Veena Handa, who worked towards creating a platform for artisans, entrepreneurs and women-led businesses.
The organisers expressed gratitude to MLA Vikram Randhawa for inaugurating the bazaar and to Keshav Chopra and Pushpinder Singh Charak for attending as Guests of Honour and extending their support to the initiative.
Special thanks were extended to Neelam Gupta of the Panch Mandir Committee for her efforts and contribution towards organising the bazaar and supporting local artisans, entrepreneurs and traditional products.
Deepak Handa, Nitish Mahajan, Bhoomi Thaper, Ayushi Abrol, Er. Amarjeet Chopra and others were also present on the occasion.
The event highlighted the importance of supporting local enterprises and preserving traditional craftsmanship while creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship, employment and economic growth in Jammu.