GUWAHATI, Feb 1 � The Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Meira Kumar today said India�s inherent beauty lies in its unity in diversity.
Inaugurating the Surajkund Mela in Haryana the Speaker said, �every nation looks up to India with great admiration. India has withstood many pulls and pressures and emerged unscathed though strong countries like the USA and other Europeans nations could not face the litmus test. India�s strength lies in its unity and the firm grounding in democracy which has taken deep roots,� she said.
Terming the tourism industry as a �smokeless industry�, Meira Kumar said, �Other than tourism, other industries pollute the environment. Tourism industry, which is pollution-free and environment-friendly, must be promoted in a big way.�
Meira Kumar, while espousing the cause of the craftsmen and artisans of rural India, said, �The Centre and the State Governments must ensure that the rich craftsmanship of ours continue to live forever by providing the necessary patronage. It�s my humble appeal to all of you.�
The Lok Sabha Speaker also requested the State Governments to set up a crafts institute to keep alive the rich tradition.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister for Tourism, Subodh Kant Sahay, while pointing out the vibrant culture of Assam, said, �The rich and colourful culture of Assam on display will draw more tourists to explore the land in the coming days.�
�There is so much to explore in Assam, a land known for its warm hospitality,� said Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi at the inaugural function of the 26th Surajkund Crafts Mela, 2012 at Faridabad in Haryana today, an official press release stated.
Assam is the Theme State for this year�s Surajkund Crafts Mela. The State had participated for the first time as a Theme State in 1998.
Speaking on the occasion, Gogoi said that Assam has a very rich culture with diverse races and tribes inhabiting the land and living in complete communion.
�Assam has different tribes each with its distinct dresses, food habits and rituals. However, there is a common thread binding them as a common entity. The unity in diversity is the beauty of the land and its people,� said Gogoi.
Dwelling on Assam�s treasure-trove, Gogoi said, �The State is known for its sprawling tea gardens, wildlife parks including the Kaziranga National Park, the abode of the one-horned rhino, the majestic Brahmaputra river, the lifeline of the people of Assam, and the world�s largest riverine island, Majuli. It has many things to offer to the tourists. Come and explore the land of pristine natural beauty, which is no longer a place where insurgency stalks.�
The Chief Minister hoped that the Mela would gain in stature with more participation in the days to come.
