CHAMBA, Oct 24: Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta has called for harnessing the state’s rich cultural heritage, natural resources and youth potential to generate new opportunities in employment, entrepreneurship and economic development, while strengthening its 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, organised on the theme “Viksit Bharat–Viksit Himachal” at the historic Chowgan in Chamba.
Addressing the gathering, Gupta said the expo provided an important platform to connect people with opportunities in employment, entrepreneurship, technology, skill development and government welfare initiatives. He observed that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India was progressing towards self-reliance, innovation and inclusive growth, with Viksit Bharat@2047 serving as a national vision that required the active participation of every state, district and village.
Highlighting the importance of infrastructure, the Governor said projects such as the Atal Tunnel and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana had opened new avenues for remote and hilly areas by improving connectivity and access to markets, tourism and economic opportunities. He stressed that better connectivity should also improve access to education, healthcare and employment for people living in far-flung areas.
Gupta emphasised the need to harness Chamba’s tourism potential by promoting rural, religious and adventure tourism, along with homestays. He said these sectors could generate employment for local youth and women while strengthening the regional economy. However, he cautioned that development activities must remain environmentally sustainable and protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Referring to the famous Chamba Rumal, traditional handicrafts, woodcraft, local food products, agriculture and horticulture, the Governor called for connecting indigenous products with modern designs, quality standards, digital marketing and wider markets. He said the Prime Minister’s initiatives, “Vocal for Local” and “Make in India”, could help local artisans and entrepreneurs increase their visibility and improve market access.
The Governor also highlighted the PM Vishwakarma scheme, describing it as an important initiative for traditional artisans and craftspeople. He urged artisans in Chamba to take advantage of opportunities for skill development, modern tools, financial assistance and market linkages to strengthen their livelihoods while preserving traditional skills.
Emphasising the importance of agriculture and horticulture to the rural economy, Gupta advocated greater adoption of modern technology, food processing, value addition and improved market connections to enhance farmers’ incomes. He also encouraged young people to become job creators rather than merely job seekers, pointing to tourism, agriculture, technology, food processing and handicrafts as promising sectors for entrepreneurship.
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 event would produce tangible outcomes through training, technical support, employment generation, entrepreneurship and stronger market linkages.
He said the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 could be realised when farmers prospered, youth became self-reliant, women gained economic empowerment, local enterprises flourished and the country’s cultural heritage was preserved. He congratulated the organisers, particularly Dr. Rajiv Bhardwaj and the team of Avishkar Exhibition and Promotion, for organising the expo 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, Bhardwaj described the expo as an important initiative towards advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
He said transforming Chamba from an aspirational district into a source of inspiration required collective efforts by the administration, public representatives and local residents. He added that the district’s natural resources, cultural heritage, tourism potential and local products could open new pathways for sustainable development.
MLA Neeraj Nayyar, Dr. Hans Raj, former MLAs Vikram Jaryal, Pawan Nayyar and Jiya Lal Kapoor, former Municipal Council President Neelam Nayyar, Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal, Superintendent of Police Vijay Kumar Saklani, officers from various departments and other prominent personalities were present on the occasion.