India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat must begin from its villages: Governor Kavinder Gupta

Inaugurates International Lavi Fair at Rampur; urges visitors to promote ‘Vocal for Local’

Says PM Modi’s visionary leadership transforming India into a confident, self-reliant nation

Prosperous villages, empowered farmers and youth key to realising Viksit Bharat: Governor

Says PM Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative strengthening grassroots economy

Stress for connecting Traditional Himachali Products with Global Markets through Digital Platforms

RAMPUR (SHIMLA), NOV 11: The Hon’ble Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Kavinder Gupta today emphasized that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership has ushered India into a new era of development, self-reliance and technological advancement, strengthening the nation’s position on the global stage.

Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the historic International Lavi Fair at Rampur, the Governor said that the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 represents a collective national commitment requiring the active participation of every citizen.

“A developed India cannot be built through efforts in Delhi alone. It will be built in our villages, through the prosperity of our farmers, the skills of our artisans and the determination of our youth. When our villages prosper and our people become self-reliant, the dream of Viksit Bharat will become a reality,” he asserted.

Highlighting the Central Government’s initiatives for economic empowerment, the Governor said that programmes such as PM Vishwakarma, Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana and other self-employment initiatives were creating opportunities for artisans, small entrepreneurs and young people to achieve financial independence.
He urged the youth to take advantage of these initiatives and aspire to become job creators rather than merely job seekers.

Emphasising Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative, the Governor made a special appeal to every visitor to purchase at least one locally manufactured product during the fair.

“Purchasing a local product is not merely a commercial transaction; it is a recognition of an artisan’s hard work and a contribution towards the prosperity of a family. Even a small purchase can bring new hope to someone’s life,” he remarked.

Describing the nearly 400-year-old International Lavi Fair as a living symbol of Himachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage, the Governor said the historic event was not merely a commercial gathering but a celebration of the State’s cultural identity, age-old traditions, traditional trade practices, mutual trust and social harmony. He said the fair had served for centuries as an important centre of trade and cultural exchange, reflecting the enduring spirit of unity, brotherhood and shared heritage.

He stressed the need to connect traditional Himachali products, including Kinnauri caps, woollen garments, handicrafts and agricultural produce, with national and international markets through digital platforms.
The Governor also called upon young people to embrace modern education and technology without losing their connection with their cultural roots and traditions.
Highlighting the importance of sustainable development, he urged citizens and tourists to protect Himachal Pradesh’s fragile environment, maintain cleanliness and minimise plastic use.
Paying tribute to the late former Rampur MLA Shri Nand Lal, the Governor recalled his contribution to the development of the region.
The Governor appreciated the efforts of the organising committee, district administration and all stakeholders in preserving the historic fair.
He concluded by emphasising that preserving heritage is our responsibility, advancing development is our duty, and building Viksit Bharat is our national resolve.

Earlier, Chairman of the International Lavi Fair Organizing Committee and Deputy Commissioner, Shimla, Shri Anupam Kashyap, welcomed and felicitated the Governor and Lady Governor. He informed that, for the first time in the history of the fair, an essay competition on its history had been organized for schoolchildren to encourage them to learn about the fair through their families and elders. He said that the organizing committee had made efforts to provide a platform to self-help groups, Farmer Producer Organizations, horticulturists and small industries to help them access new markets. He added that local artists had been given priority in the cultural programmes and efforts had been made to showcase the cultural diversity of all districts of Himachal Pradesh.

Shri Karn Sharma, Chairman, Municipal Council Rampur also welcomed the Governor and described the Lavi Fair as an integral part of the region’s heritage and identity, extending beyond its traditional trading significance.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Rampur, Shri Harsh Amarendra Singh Negi, presented the vote of thanks.

Later, the Governor inaugurated the exhibition set up as part of the fair and visited stalls showcasing Kinnauri and other local products, along with exhibitions by various government departments. The Governor and Lady Governor also sampled local delicacies at the food stalls and encouraged the promotion of Himachali food products on a wider scale.

Former Zila Parishad Chairperson Smt. Chandraprabha Negi, Superintendent of Police, Shri Gaurav Singh, and other distinguished persons were also present on the occasion.