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Telangana Launches 'GI on Wheels' Buses to Showcase Local Art & Heritage

The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation has launched 'GI on Wheels' buses, featuring artistic visuals of the state's GI-tagged heritage products like Pochampally Ikat and Nirmal paintings. The initiative was flagged off by Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, aiming to promote cultural awareness and support artisans. The buses will travel across six districts, transforming public transport into a mobile platform for showcasing traditional art. The project also involves designs created by students of JNAFAU, who were recognized during the launch event.

Key Points: Telangana's GI on Wheels Buses Promote Local Arts & Tourism

  • Promotes GI-tagged heritage products
  • Supports rural artisans' livelihoods
  • Enhances cultural tourism
  • Features art by university students
2 min read

Telangana RTC launches 'GI on Wheels' buses to promote local arts

Telangana RTC launches GI-themed buses to promote local handicrafts like Pochampally Ikat and Cheriyal paintings, boosting artisan livelihoods and cultural tourism.

"Culture is the soul of society... sustainable development is not possible without cultural awareness. - Governor Jishnu Dev Varma"

Hyderabad, Feb 27

Telangana State Road Transport Corporation has launched 'GI on Wheels' buses. The buses, designed with cultural and artistic visuals inspired by GI-tagged heritage products, were formally flagged off by Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar at Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station on Friday.

Six express buses featuring six different GI art themes have been introduced for six districts.

The GI-themed artwork displayed on the buses highlights Telangana's rich culture, traditional art forms, and handloom and handicraft heritage. This initiative promotes awareness about GI products, supports artisans, and contributes to tourism development.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor stated that the primary objective of the initiative is to create awareness among the public about GI tagged art forms and to promote them widely.

He observed that as a young State, Telangana must strengthen its cultural identity. Emphasising that culture is the soul of society, he noted that sustainable development is not possible without cultural awareness. He further added that such initiatives would inspire youth towards traditional arts and enhance recognition for artisans.

Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar stated that the government is committed to promoting, marketing, and expanding GI products. He highlighted that such efforts will create livelihood opportunities for rural artisans and improve their economic conditions.

He assured full support from TGSRTC in implementing and scaling up the initiative across the State.

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.

These art forms, representing the skill and craftsmanship of Telangana artisans, will now gain wider visibility across towns and villages through public transport. The Minister emphasised that the initiative aims to transform public transport into a creative platform for promoting the State's rich cultural heritage.

Vice Chairman and Managing Director of TGSRTC, Nagi Reddy, stated that the initiative reflects the cultural diversity of Telangana and is inspired by the Governor's vision. He noted that showcasing GI art on buses would bring culture closer to the people while encouraging artisans.

The designs displayed on the buses were created by students of Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU). On the occasion, the students were presented with cash prizes and mementoes.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally, some positive use of public funds for culture. The buses look stunning in the pictures. But the real test is whether this translates to better prices and sustainable income for the karigars in villages. The government must ensure the benefits reach them.
A
Arjun K
Great move. Telangana has a unique identity and such projects strengthen it. Involving JNAFAU students is a smart touch—gives young artists a platform. Would love to see these buses on the Hyderabad-Warangal route.
S
Sarah B
As someone who recently visited Hyderabad, I think this is fantastic for tourism. It makes public transport more than just a commute; it's a moving museum. More states should adopt such creative ideas to showcase local art.
V
Vikram M
Good concept, but only six buses? For six districts? Seems more like a symbolic launch. Hope they scale it up to hundreds of buses so the message truly spreads. Also, hope the maintenance keeps the art looking fresh.
K
Kavya N
Cheriyal paintings on a bus! 😍 This is how you make culture accessible to the common man. My kids will see this and ask about our traditions. More than tourism, it's about pride and education for our own people. Bahut badhiya!

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