DEHRADUN: As many as eleven Dehradun-based startups working in various sectors like healthcare, food processing, IT services etc. were felicitated by state MSME minister Chandan Ram Das on Friday, as part of the ongoing state foundation celebrations, Myar Pahad, being conducted by Pacific mall, with the support of the Times of India, Uttarakhand handloom and handicraft development council, from November 9 to 14.
“Youngsters and people of Uttarakhand are coming with innovative ideas regularly, from portable ECGs that can help in a medical crisis in remote corners of the state to drone and defence equipment manufacturing. It’s important to lend support to such ideas. We are working on improving the subsidy slabs and to help small businesses earn back their working capital over time so as to further encourage them,” said the minister.
In addition to the startups, the minister also felicitated and interacted with the local businesses showcasing their products at the event, ranging from handicrafts to locally produced food items and accessories.
UHHDC CEO, Sudhir Chandra Nautiyal, also said that local artisans and business owners help improve the state economy and the department is working to support them, especially those in rural belts.
As part of the celebrations, a photography exhibition open to the public for all six days has been put on display, depicting photos of Uttarakhand culture, landmarks and festivities. Local state photographers have showcased their work here. Friday was the second day of a three-day long police weapons and equipment modernisation display that has been put up by the state disaster response force.
The six-day event is also seeing regular performances by native tribes of Uttarakhand performing to traditional forms like Tharu, Bhotia, Raji etc. while Garhwali and Kumaoni dance and music troupes are also performing regularly.
