Haryana

• 13 Feb 2025

MoU to Empower Unemployed Youth

Why in News? 

Recently, Apparel Training & Design Centre (ATDC), Gurugram, and South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), Bilaspur, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to start a vocational training program for underprivileged youth from economically weaker sections. 

 Key Points 

• About the Agreement: 
  • The program aims to uplift underprivileged youth from economically weaker sections by providing skill-based training. 
• CSR Initiative: 
  • The initiative is part of SECL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. 
  • A total of Rs 3.12 crore has been allocated to train 400 candidates. 
  • Training Program Structure: 
    • Non-Residential Training: 
      • ATDC will set up training centers for 300 candidates under the Self-Employed Tailor Program. 
      • Training centers will be established in SECL Bishrampur, Sohagpur, and Korba areas. 
    • Residential Training: 
      • 100 candidates will undergo a fully residential training program at the ATDC Training Center in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh. 
      • The program will provide free boarding and lodging. 
      • Candidates will be selected from within a 25-kilometer radius of SECL establishments. 
• Objective and Vision: 
  • Under the guidance of the Ministry of Coal, this initiative aims to: 
    • Empower underprivileged youth in coalfield regions. 
    • Create self-employment and job opportunities. 
    • Contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat. 

 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)  

• CSR in general can be referred to as a corporate initiative to assess and take responsibility for the company's effects on the environment and impact on social welfare. 
• It is a self-regulating business model that helps a company to be socially accountable. By practising corporate social responsibility, companies can be conscious of the impact they are having on economic, social, and environmental factors. 
• India is the first country to mandate CSR spending under clause 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, with a framework for identifying potential CSR activities. 
  • Unlike India, most countries have voluntary CSR frameworks. Norway and Sweden, which have moved to mandatory CSR provisions, began with voluntary models. 

38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela

Why in News? 

The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism inaugurated the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Faridabad district of Haryana. 

 Key Points 

• About Surajkund Mela:  
  • The Surajkund International Crafts Mela will run from 7th February to 23rd February 2025. 
  • The event will showcase art, craftsmanship, and talent from artisans across India and the world. 
  • The Union Minister described Surajkund Mela as more than just a marketplace, highlighting its role in preserving and promoting ancient craftsmanship. 
• MICE Tourism Potential in Haryana: 
  • Haryana's close proximity to Delhi gives it a strategic advantage, positioning it as an ideal hub for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. 
  • The Minister encouraged the state to: 
    • Expand Surajkund Mela’s reach through digital marketing. 
    • Engage YouTubers, photographers, and social media influencers to enhance global visibility. 
    • Provide new business opportunities for artisans through digital exposure. 
• Symbol of Cultural Identity: 
  • Haryana Chief Minister called Surajkund Mela a symbol of Haryana’s and India’s rich heritage. 
  • He described the event as a reflection of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is One Family). 
  • He congratulated the Haryana Tourism Department, Union Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and other supporting ministries for organizing the grand event successfully. 

 MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) 

• MICE is a term used in the tourism and events industry to categorize and represent a segment related to business and corporate tourism. 
  • MICE tourism involves organizing and hosting events, meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and incentives for companies and groups. 
  • These activities aim to facilitate networking, knowledge exchange, business collaborations, and the showcasing of products and services within a professional or business context. 
• The main purpose is to create a networking platform for business, industry, government and Academic Community and engage in meaningful conversations. 

Tribute to Guru Ravidas

Why in News? 

The Chief Minister of Haryana paid tribute to Guru Ravidas on his birth anniversary. Guru Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated on Purnima Tithi of Magha Month. 

 

Key Points 

• Government Initiative for Honoring Saints 
  • The Haryana government launched the Sant-Mahapurush Samman and Vichar Prachar-Prasar Yojana. 
  • Under this initiative, birth anniversaries and centenaries of saints and great personalities will be celebrated at the state level. 
• About Guru Ravidas: 
  • Sant Guru Ravidas, born in 1377 CE in Seer Govardhanpur, Uttar Pradesh, is revered as a saint, philosopher, poet, and social reformer. 
  • Known by various names like Raidas, Rohidas, and Ruhidas, he hailed from a community traditionally associated with leatherwork. 
  • Guru Ravidas made significant contributions to the Bhakti Movement, emphasising devotion to the divine and promoting spiritual equality. 
  • His teachings emphasised human rights, equality, and spiritual enlightenment. 
  • Some of his compositions are included in the revered scripture, Guru Granth Sahib Ji, adding to his literary and philosophical significance. 

 Bhakti Movement 

• The development of the Bhakti movement took place in Tamil Nadu between the 7th and 9th centuries. 
• It was reflected in the emotional poems of the Nayanars (devotees of Shiva) and Alvars (devotees of Vishnu).  
  • These saints looked upon religion not as a cold formal worship but as a loving bond based upon love between the worshipped and worshipper. 
• In course of time, the ideas of the South moved up to the North but it was a very slow process. 
• A more effective method for spreading the Bhakti ideology was the use of local languages. The Bhakti saints composed their verses in local languages. 
• They also translated Sanskrit works to make them understandable to a wider audience.  
  • Examples include Jnanadeva writing in Marathi, Kabir, Surdas and Tulsidas in Hindi, Shankaradeva popularising Assamese, Chaitanya and Chandidas spreading their message in Bengali, Mirabai in Hindi and Rajasthani.