Telangana launches ‘GI on Wheels’ to showcase handicrafts on buses

Hyderabad

Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) on Friday launched the ‘GI on Wheels’ initiative, an initiative aimed at turning public buses into mobile galleries showcasing the State’s Geographical Indication (GI) recognized handicrafts.

The programme, which aims to bring Telangana’s cultural heritage closer to people, was inaugurated by Governor Jishnu Dev Verma at the Mahatma Gandhi Bus Stand (MGBS) on Friday.

Addressing the meeting, the Governor said that the initiative aims to create awareness about GI recognized art forms and strengthen the cultural identity of Telangana. Cultural awareness, he maintaned, was essential for social development, adding that such programs would encourage youth to take interest in traditional arts and accord respect to artisans.

Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar described the initiative as a reflection of the Governor’s vision and said the government was committed to promote, market and expand GI products. He expressed confidence that the program will create employment opportunities and improve the economic conditions of rural artisans and also provide support for popularization of the program through TGSRTC.

Six important GI handicrafts of Telangana, including Pochampally ikkat, Warangal carpets, Karimnagar silver filigree, Narayanpet saris, Cherial scroll paintings and Nirmal paintings, were displayed on specially designed bus panels.

The bus designs were created by students of Jawaharlal Nehru University of Architecture and Fine Arts, who were felicitated by the Governor. Artists representing the six GI traditions and Subhajit Saha, who contributed to the recognition of GI, were also honoured.