Hyderabad: Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma on Friday launched the GI on Wheels programme at the Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS), marking what officials described as the first initiative of its kind in the country. The programme aims to promote Geographical Indication (GI) tagged art forms by showcasing them on Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) buses.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said the primary objective of the GI on Wheels programme was to create public awareness about GI-tagged art forms and promote them widely. He stated that Telangana, as a young State, must strengthen its cultural identity. Culture is the soul of society, he said, adding that sustainable development is not possible without cultural awareness. He noted that such initiatives would inspire youth to engage with traditional arts and enhance recognition for artisans.
Minister for Transport and BC Welfare Ponnam Prabhakar said the programme reflected the Governor’s vision. He reiterated that the State government remained committed to promoting, marketing and expanding GI products. According to him, the initiative would create livelihood opportunities for rural artisans and improve their economic conditions. He assured full support from TGSRTC to implement and expand the GI on Wheels programme across the State.
Six Telangana crafts featured under GI on Wheels programme
As part of the initiative, six prominent GI-tagged handicrafts of Telangana were artistically displayed on buses. These included Pochampally Ikat, Warangal Dhurries (Carpets), Karimnagar Silver Filigree, Narayanpet Sarees, Cheriyal Scroll Paintings and Nirmal Paintings. Officials said the moving displays would carry Telangana’s heritage across towns and villages through public transport.
Vice Chairman and Managing Director of TGSRTC, Nagi Reddy, said the initiative reflected the State’s cultural diversity. He added that showcasing GI art on buses would bring culture closer to people while encouraging artisans.
Students of Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU) designed the artwork displayed on the buses. Authorities presented cash prizes and mementoes to the students during the event. Subhajit Saha, who contributed to securing GI recognitions, was also felicitated. Artisans representing the six GI crafts were honoured on the occasion.
Later, the Governor, the Minister, the Hyderabad District Collector Hari Chandana Dasari and TGSRTC officials jointly flagged off the specially designed buses under the GI on Wheels programme.
A Geographical Indication is a collective intellectual property right that identifies products as originating from a specific region. It reflects unique characteristics, skills and traditions associated with that region. Telangana currently has 18 GI-tagged products. Officials said GI recognition helps preserve traditional arts, prevent imitation and ensure sustainable livelihoods for artisans.