New Delhi, November 14: The growth story of a buoyant Bengal, aided by the power of traditional knowledge, indigenous skills and creative genius wedded to a resurgent spirit of positivity and aspiration, is the highlight of the West Bengal Pavilion at the India International Trade Fair-2015, which is focusing on the theme of “Make in India” this year.
The State is also exhibiting Bengal’s great artistic and cultural heritage, its superb handicrafts and handloom products, its prowess in Information Technology, Power Generation, Industry, Agriculture, Education, Tourism etc. and its present achievements and future opportunities.
A pride of place has been reserved for the “Biswa Bangla” initiative, through which all aspects of Bengal’s crafts, culture and creativity will be projected under a single umbrella organization to build a “brand Bengal” in the international market.
In keeping with the catch-phrase of “Come to Bengal: Ride the Growth”, the West Bengal Pavilion fascia has projected the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger in all its splendor. The vigorous leap of the Bengal tiger symbolizes the force which powers the wheels of progress and the State’s potential for future advancements.
The overwhelming presence of Goddess Durga – resplendent in full regalia in the magnificent Mahishasuramardini form as well as in a stunning representation of the “tri-nayana’ (three eyes) as a centerpiece — epitomizes empowerment, knowledge and determination.
Enumerated below are some of the key facets of West Bengal Pavilion, which was inaugurated today by Shri Partha Chatterjee, Hon’ble Minister for School Education, Higher Education and Parliamentary Affairs, in the presence of senior officials of the Government of West Bengal and other top dignitaries:-
+ A special attraction in the Pavilion will be a separate section dedicated to the great freedom leader Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Apart from panels showcasing some pages of the files on Netaji which were recently de-classified by the State Government, photographs, CDs and books on his life and times are to be displayed. DVDs of the de-classified files will also be available for sale.
+ The façade has highlighted advancement of the State in various fields such as art, culture, science, education and industry through terracotta motifs.
+ Life-like figurines of artisans and folk performers at the frontage of the Pavilion have depicted the traditional skill enhancement initiatives and promotion and preservation of heritage by the State Government.
+ The Lok Prasar Prakalpa, under which financial assistance is being given to folk artistes, and the internationally acclaimed Kanyashree scheme for girl child empowerment have been projected.
+ The theme area has outlined the growth trajectory of Bengal with emphasis on “powering progress, empowering people”. It has been highlighted that the State gives emphasis on facilitating growth of industry and investment through creation of a conducive atmosphere and necessary infrastructure while it also boasts of a large pool of skilled manpower.
+ The concept of “Theme-based and Smart Cities for West Bengal” has been highlighted in the Urban Development Panels.
+ The normalization initiatives by the State Government and prevailing atmosphere of peace in Jangal Mahal and Darjeeling Hills have also been depicted.
+ The Pavilion, with a total floor area of 22,000 sq feet, is featuring around 45 stalls representing small scale industries and 23 others from Self-Help Groups.
+ Handloom and handicrafts on sale will include wood and jute products, zari work, sitalpati (fine mats), ‘nakshi kantha’ (traditional needle craft), leather goods of Shantiniketan, Baluchari sarees, readymade garments. batik work, clay models, terracotta jewellery as well as Darjeeling tea.
+ The Department of Agriculture Marketing will operate a stall to promote aromatic rice and processed food items.
+ Bengali sweets will also be there to tickle the taste buds of the visitors.
+ Tourism, one of the sectors identified under the “Make in India” initiative for job creation and skill enhancement, is a key industry in the State with huge potential for expansion, investment and advancement. The State is endowed with all the diversities of nature – from snow-peaked mountains in the north to the golden sea beaches in the south – which will be highlighted through a diorama at the front of the Pavilion. Various famous tourist destinations such as Darjeeling, Dooars, Sundarbans and Bishnupur have been visually presented in the Tourism Section.
+ ‘West Bengal Day’ will be celebrated in IITF on November 25, 2015. Dr. Amit Mitra, Hon’ble Minister, Finance, Excise & Commerce and Industries, is scheduled to address a press conference at Pragati Auditorium in the afternoon.
+ Special attractions in the evening on the State Day will be an ensemble of folk cultural programmes comprising Dhol Badya (drumbeats), Baul Songs, Raibenshe Dance, Rava Dance and Chhau Dance.
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