Guna Handicrafts Exhibition Shows How ‘Vocal for Local’ Is Changing Artisans’ Lives
‘Vocal for Local’ initiative boosts artisans’ livelihoods through Handicrafts Exhibition-2026 in Madhya Pradesh’s Guna.
The ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is transforming the lives of artisans by providing them access to wider markets, a trend visible at the Handicrafts Exhibition-2026 in Guna. Organised by the Union Ministry of Textiles in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Federation, the event was inaugurated by Guna Collector Kishore Kumar Kanyal at Pratap Hostel on Monday.
Artisans from across India—including Hyderabad, Bihar, Jaipur, Delhi, Agra, Bengaluru, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Gujarat—displayed a rich variety of traditional handicrafts. Products ranged from jute bags, embroidery, bamboo crafts, Kalamkari art, tassel meenakari, jewellery, clay and crockery items, to carpets, wooden toys, and leather crafts, highlighting India’s diverse cultural heritage.
Collector Kanyal inspected the exhibition stalls, urging organisers to prominently display artisans’ names and states of origin. He emphasised that such visibility allows visitors to appreciate the skill and cultural context behind each product, fostering recognition for the artisans’ craft. Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Jain encouraged the public to visit the exhibition, which runs until February 16 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
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Visitors and artisans alike praised the initiative. Vinita Jain, a customer, said it was a “nice step by the government” to bring artisans from different states together. Handicraftsman Shakun Thakur of Nagpur shared how his business grew from Rs 7,000 to Rs 4 lakh thanks to government support, highlighting the impact of the initiative on livelihoods.
Other participants echoed similar sentiments. Neeraj Kumar Saini from Jaipur called it “a very appreciative initiative” promoting local production, while Sevosi Dey from West Bengal expressed gratitude for a platform to sell embroidery across states. Dr. Satish Sharma, a visitor, lauded the fair for showcasing India’s talent and craftsmanship to a wider audience.
The Handicrafts Exhibition-2026 in Guna exemplifies how the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign is helping artisans gain recognition, improve earnings, and promote India’s traditional crafts on a national stage, creating sustainable opportunities and preserving cultural heritage.
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