RTC Launches ‘GI on Wheels’ to Showcase State’s Heritage

As part of the programme, six prominent GI-tagged handicrafts of Telangana have been artistically showcased on buses, including Pochampally Ikat, Warangal Dhurries (Carpets), Karimnagar Silver Filigree, Narayanpet Sarees, Cheriyal Scroll Paintings, and Nirmal Paintings

In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, the “GI on Wheels” programme was launched at the Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station, Hyderabad, on Friday by Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma. The initiative aims to create public awareness about Geographical Indication (GI) tagged art forms and promote them widely.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor emphasised that as a young state, Telangana must strengthen its cultural identity. He noted that culture is the soul of society and sustainable development is not possible without cultural awareness. He added that such programmes would inspire youth towards traditional arts and enhance recognition for artisans.

Ponnam Prabhakar, Minister for Transport and BC Welfare, said the programme reflects the visionary initiative of the Governor and reiterated the state government’s commitment to promoting and marketing GI products. He noted that the initiative will create livelihood opportunities for rural artisans and improve their economic conditions.

The specially designed buses showcase six GI-tagged art forms, including Pochampally Ikat, Warangal Dhurries, Karimnagar Silver Filigree, Narayanpet Sarees, Cheriyal Scroll Paintings, and Nirmal Paintings. The Vice Chairman & Managing Director of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation, Nagi Reddy, said the programme reflects Telangana’s cultural diversity and brings artisans’ work closer to the public.

The designs were created by students of Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU), who were presented with cash prizes and mementoes. Artisans and Subhajit Saha, who contributed to securing GI recognition, were also felicitated.

GI is an intellectual property right identifying products from specific regions, preserving traditional arts, preventing imitation, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods. Telangana currently has 18 GI-tagged products. The Governor, Minister, Hyderabad District Collector Hari Chandana Dasari, TGSRTC officials, JNAFAU representatives, and artisans flagged off the buses, marking the public launch of the programme.