Telangana Unveils 'GI on Wheels' Initiative to Promote GI-Tagged Handicrafts
In a pioneering move to celebrate and preserve cultural heritage, the Telangana government, in collaboration with the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC), officially launched the 'GI on Wheels' program at the Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS) in Hyderabad on Friday. This innovative initiative, flagged off by Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, aims to transform public transport into a mobile platform for showcasing the state's globally recognized handicrafts, thereby strengthening cultural identity and promoting sustainable development.
Launch Event and Key Participants
The ceremony was graced by prominent figures including Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, TGSRTC Vice Chairman and Managing Director Y Nagi Reddy, and Hyderabad Collector Hari Chandana Dasari. Governor Varma emphasized the deep-rooted connection between society and culture, highlighting that cultural awareness is essential for sustainable progress. He stressed the importance of engaging younger generations with traditional art forms to ensure the continuity of Telangana's rich heritage.
Program Details and Implementation
Conceived as a first-of-its-kind effort in India, the 'GI on Wheels' program responds to the governor's suggestion by displaying six Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged handicrafts on RTC buses. This initiative is designed to enhance public awareness about the state's traditional artisan legacy. In the initial phase, six express buses, each representing a specific district, have been adorned with specially designed stickers featuring the following GI-tagged crafts:
- Pochampally Ikat
- Warangal Dhurries (carpets)
- Karimnagar Silver Filigree
- Narayanpet Sarees
- Cheriyal Scroll Paintings
- Nirmal Paintings
The artistic stickers were created by fine arts students from Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU), who were felicitated with cash prizes and mementoes during the event. Additionally, Subhajit Saha, instrumental in securing GI recognition for several Telangana crafts, and artisans representing the six featured traditions were honored for their contributions.
Objectives and Impact
Minister Ponnam Prabhakar explained that the program materialized from the governor's proposal and reflects the government's commitment to boosting the marketing and commercial viability of GI products. By converting buses into mobile cultural exhibits, the initiative provides extensive visibility to Telangana's heritage crafts, potentially leading to increased tourism and sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural artisan communities. Officials noted that Telangana currently boasts 18 GI-tagged products, underscoring the state's diverse cultural assets.
This strategic use of public transport not only educates passengers about local traditions but also fosters pride in regional identity, aligning with broader goals of cultural preservation and economic empowerment.
