‘Swadeshi Expo 2026’ inaugurated in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, August 2026 : Promoting indigenous products is a collective responsibility, and providing an appropriate platform to India’s artists, artisans and traditional craftsmen can create employment opportunities while strengthening the domestic economy, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse said on Thursday.
Speaking at the inauguration of ‘Swadeshi Expo 2026’, organised by the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and Shikhaj Artisans Institute at Sagar Resort in the MIDC area, Khadse urged citizens to make greater use of locally made products and contribute to the country’s development.
“By promoting Swadeshi products, we must collectively take forward the resolve of building a developed India,” she said.
MLA Anuradha Chavan, former secretary Sumant Bhange, MGM University Vice-Chancellor Vilas Sapkal, Regional Publicity Officer of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Santosh Deshmukh, Kailas Ajmera, Santosh Ajmera, Shikha Ajmera and Vivek Deshpande were among those present at the event.
Khadse said that in the era of rapidly advancing technology, Indian art and culture must also be presented in contemporary and innovative forms. She emphasised that Indians have a responsibility to promote the country’s traditional art and indigenous products not only within India but also on global platforms.
She said traditional art could reach younger generations more effectively if it received modern presentation, professional marketing and access to appropriate markets.
Citizens, she added, should understand the history associated with traditional crafts, the hard work of artisans and the unique characteristics of their products before purchasing and promoting them. Combining traditional skills with modern designs, effective marketing and suitable markets could help create sustainable business models, she said.
At the same time, Khadse stressed that modernisation should not come at the cost of traditional artists or their heritage. “Artists are the real strength of the country. Providing them with platforms and taking their work to a wider audience is a collective responsibility,” she said.
MLA Anuradha Chavan said that, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, it was essential to preserve India’s folk art, handicrafts and traditional craftsmanship while encouraging the use of indigenous products.
She urged young people and women entrepreneurs to take advantage of various government schemes and come forward to build self-reliant enterprises. She said the Union government was continuously providing support and encouragement to youth, women and entrepreneurs.
Shikha Ajmera said artisans, entrepreneurs and consumers were three important pillars in the development of the arts and handicrafts sector. The expo, she said, would help recognise the efforts of local artists and encourage citizens to support their products.
Vivek Deshpande also addressed the gathering. During the inauguration, a team from a registered public-awareness, multipurpose cultural and charitable organisation associated with the Union government's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting presented a Ganesh Vandana and Maharashtra songs.
The Swadeshi Expo 2026 will be held from August 14 to 16, 2026, for three days. More than 75 exhibitors from across the country are participating in the exhibition.
Entry to the expo is free for visitors. More than 75 per cent of the exhibitors comprise women entrepreneurs and representatives of small-scale industries, highlighting the growing participation of women in indigenous manufacturing and entrepreneurship.
The district administration has appealed to citizens to visit the exhibition in large numbers and support indigenous artisans, entrepreneurs and locally manufactured products.
