Jamshedpur: State minister Saryu Roy inaugurated the 14th Swadeshi Mela at Gopal Maidan, Bistupur, in the presence of several dignitaries on Friday.
In his address, Roy said the Swadeshi Mela presented an alternative and a great opportunity for the people engaged in the small and cottage industries. He said the Swadeshi Jagran Manch was doing its best to save India from becoming a slave in the hands of foreign traders and companies by promoting Swadeshi products.
Roy said earlier trade and commerce was based on the need of individuals. Now, companies tell people their needs and also create newer and artificial needs, he said, adding that Swadeshi Jagran Manch was trying to make aware of such dangers to the Indian economy.
Other dignitaries of the event included social worker Bailey Bodhanwala, Zila Parishad vice president Rajkumar Singh, Mukul Mishra, JKM Raju, Rajkumar Sah, Deep Srivastava, Basko Besra and Suman Agrawal.
The programme was chaired by Murali Dhar Kedia while the subject was introduced by Manoj Kumar Singh. A welcome speech was given by the fair convenor Ashok Goel. A vote of thanks was proposed by Manju Thakur.