UN award for Rajasthan CM, red carpet in Delhi

New Delhi, May 23 (UNI) A red carpet was rolled out in the capital for Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on her arrival after a 12-day visit abroad where she received the United Nations prestigious ''Women Together'' Award.

The Chief Minister said the award in fact was a tribute to the creativity and skills of Rajasthani artisans.

The award was conferred on Ms Raje for her role in promoting handlooms, weaving and Kaithun's Kota Doria from the State, as well as helping in the development of Self Help Groups(SHGs). The award lauded her attempts at marketing these products as a fashion affair, thus helping enhance the incomes of the poor.

Ms Raje said it came to her as a pleasant surprise that the works of these artisans had now been recognised internationally.

The Chief Minister made these remarks at a function organsied here to felicitate her for the award.

Ms Raje said her experience demonstrated that a key to sustainable development was creating opportunities for weavers and artisans.

The Chief Minister later called on Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekawat who congratulated her for receiving the award and commended her untiring efforts for the promotion of local Rajasthani products.

UNI