Raje receives UN award, dedicates it to weavers of Rajasthan

Jaipur, May 15(UNI) Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje was presented the Third UN Women Together Award in New York today.

''Today is a day to remember for the thousands of women artisans and weavers of Rajasthan,'' said a visibly moved Ms Raje while accepting the award. The Chief Minister dedicated the award to the enterprise and skill of women weavers of Rajasthan.

The award, given to Ms Raje in recognition of her contribution in making a difference in the lives of thousands of weavers by popularising Kota Daria and Khadi in India and abroad, was presented to her by Head of the department of UN Political Affairs Heba Abdellatif, offical sources said here today.

Draped in a pink and gold Kota Doria saree, Ms Raje, while accepting the award, pointed out that her presence at the ceremony was because of the women weavers of Rajasthan.

Outlining the successful Self Help Group(SHG) movement in the state she said, ''Today 1,30,000 women SHGs are proudly and efficiently dealing micro credit worth Rs 1600 million and are attending to the economic needs of their families... The fabric I am wearing today is an example of their magic.'' UNI PJJ MS VV1840