Itanagar, Jun 9: Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, on Tuesday described Arunachal Pradesh as a "vital heartbeat of India's cultural identity and heritage," underscoring the frontier state's rich tribal traditions and immense contribution to the nation's cultural diversity.
Addressing local weavers, handicraft artisans and district officials during his visit to Ziro in Lower Subansiri district, Margherita said Arunachal Pradesh occupies a special place in India's cultural landscape and praised its people for preserving their unique customs, traditions and indigenous knowledge systems.
The Union Minister lauded Chief Minister Pema Khandu for his leadership, citing the state's infrastructure growth and sustained efforts to protect and promote tribal heritage. He also acknowledged the role played by Arunachal Pradesh's Members of Parliament in securing developmental and textile-related initiatives for the state.
As part of his visit, Margherita laid the foundation stone for the Ziro Handloom Marketing Complex at the Government Crafts Centre. The facility is expected to provide local weavers and artisans with improved marketing opportunities and wider access to domestic and international markets.
He also distributed specialized toolkits to local artisans under the Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme, aimed at enhancing productivity and supporting the growth of traditional crafts.
Earlier, the minister visited the Siddheswarnath Temple at Kardo and interacted with local leaders and officials. He later held a review meeting on the implementation of textile and development initiatives before proceeding to Palin in Kra Daadi district.
The visit reflected the Centre's continued emphasis on promoting traditional crafts, strengthening rural livelihoods and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh.