UDAIPUR, Traditional Indian products are often superior in terms of quality and health, and people must look beyond attractive packaging and reconnect with indigenous products and a sense of social responsibility, Rajasthan Tribal Area Development Minister Babulal Kharadi said Friday.

Kharadi was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the four-day Sansad Swadeshi Industrial Expo at the RCA Ground in Udaipur. The event opened amid chants of Vande Mataram and a strong emphasis on Swadeshi, self-reliance and local entrepreneurship.

Highlighting the importance of indigenous products and Indian traditions, Kharadi said India had been a centre of knowledge and culture for centuries. He said India never proclaimed itself a Vishwaguru and that the world recognised the country's knowledge and intellectual heritage.

He also called for a change in social attitudes, saying that people earlier lived with a sense of responsibility toward society, whereas the focus today had increasingly narrowed to oneself and one's family. He urged people to revive a spirit of working for society and the nation.

Udaipur MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat, who presided over the inaugural ceremony, said the expo was conceived to showcase the business potential, skills and entrepreneurial capabilities of the Mewar region and provide them with wider recognition.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of ‘Viksit Bharat,’ ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Make in India,’ Rawat said the expo aimed to translate these initiatives into opportunities for local entrepreneurs. He also said a proposal for a ‘Mewar Mandapam’, on the lines of Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, had been moved forward in Udaipur.

Rawat highlighted the region's large base of GI-tagged products and called upon young people to explore entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities.

Udaipur Mayor Paras Singhvi linked Swadeshi with India's self-respect and said the Municipal Corporation would seek to procure locally made Swadeshi products for its requirements wherever possible.

City MLA Tarachand Jain said self-reliance builds confidence and that Swadeshi products form an important part of that approach.

MPUAT Vice Chancellor Dr. Pratap Singh stressed the need to promote organic research and local skills, while BJP district president Gajpal Singh Rathore described Rawat's vision of a “Developed Mewar” as an important step for the region.

Expo convenor Manoj Joshi, in his welcome address, underlined the need for an international-standard convention centre such as the proposed Mewar Mandapam to strengthen Udaipur's industrial and business ecosystem.

Before the inauguration, the chief guest and other dignitaries entered the venue after the ceremonial opening of mauli threads amid Vedic chants. The inaugural ceremony began with the national song Vande Mataram, performed by 150 students of MDS School. The performance was followed by chants of Vande Mataram and Bharat Mata Ki Jai across the expo grounds.

The dignitaries visited the exhibition stalls in two rounds, before and after the inauguration.

The event was conducted by Dr. Avneesh Vyas, Pranay Tripathi, Jeet Chaudhary, Upasana Dashottar and Archana Joshi. Administrative arrangements were handled by Rajkumar Sharma, while Brijmohan Bhati was responsible for the control room and Umapratap Singh for traffic and security arrangements. Dr. Rajni Rawat, Seema Pareek, Rekha Rani Jain, Anita Joshi and other women volunteers managed the Ahilyabai Dome.

Large Crowds on Opening Day

The exhibition drew a large crowd on its opening day, with visitors thronging the Kumbha, Bhamashah and Ahilyabai domes at the RCA Ground.

Visitors explored traditional handicrafts, high-tech industrial products, advanced agricultural technologies and Shree Anna-based products. The free ‘Pink Pari Club’ service operated by women e-rickshaw drivers from Fateh School also emerged as an example of women-led self-reliance.

The four-day expo will remain open to the public, entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs until Oct. 5.