PM Narendra Modi lauds Madhubani masks, pearl farming in Bihar

PATNA: PM Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded the women self-help groups (SHGs) in Bihar for making masks depicting famous Madhubani paintings and pearl farming in the state. The masks with Madhubani paintings have gained popularity not only in Bihar but also in other states.
“Now even in the time of Covid-19 pandemic, we are noticing how our youths and women, on the strength of their skills, have begun some experiments.In Bihar, several women SHGs have been preparing masks depicting the Madhubani paintings on them. Within days, these masks became very popular,” Modi said in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio programme on Sunday.

The PM also said, “These Madhubani masks not only propagate the region’s tradition, but also provide employment opportunities to people, besides ensuring their health and safety.”
Talking about the pearl farming, the PM said: “Take the example of some youths in Bihar. Earlier, they used to do some general nature jobs. But one day, they decided to do pearl farming. People in their villages were not very much aware about the pearl farming. But the youths collected information about it and went to Jaipur and Bhubaneswar for necessary training. They returned and began farming in their villages. Today, they are making good earnings from the pearl farming. They have also begun imparting training to the workers who returned home in Begusarai, Muzaffarpur and Patna districts. It has opened the door of ‘Aatmnirbharta’ (self-dependence) for many people in Bihar,” the PM said.
Modi also made a mention of the lemon grass cultivation by a group of people at Bishunpur in Jharkhand. He said, “More than 30 groups in Bishunpur are today cultivating lemon grass, which becomes ready in four months. Its oil is sold in the market at competitive price and there is a good demand for it in the market.”
The PM’s praise for the SHGs and youths of Bihar involved in pearl farming assumes more significance in view of the assembly election in state scheduled for October-November this year. Earlier, he had mentioned the valour of the Bihar Regiment in the face-off with Chinese troops in the Galwan valley.