‘Bhojpatra calligraphy’ business by Mana women a boost for economy: PM Modi | India News – Times of India

DEHRADUN: During the 103rd edition of ‘Mann ki Baat‘ aired on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted how the business of ‘bhojpatra calligraphy‘ by the women of Mana village near Badrinath, regarded as the last village before the India-China border at Uttarakhand, has taken off, helping them improve the economy of the region.

Found at a height of 3,000m or above, bhojpatra (Himalayan Birch) is a tree whose bark acts as paper on which text can be written.
Talking about the initiative displayed by the women, Modi said, “The letters written by some mothers and sisters of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand to me are touchingly heart-warming. They had never imagined that our erstwhile cultural heritage, bhojpatra, could become a means of their livelihood. Since ancient times, our scriptures and books have been preserved on these bhojpatras. Mahabharata was also written on the bhojpatra.”

The PM said: “Today, these women are making beautiful artefacts and souvenirs from the bhojpatra. I had appreciated their efforts and asked tourists coming to Devbhoomi to buy as many local products as possible during their visit. It has had a great impact. Today, the products of bhojpatra are very much liked by the pilgrims who are buying them at good prices. This ancient heritage is filling new hues of happiness in the lives of the women of Uttarakhand….” He further said, “The state government has also started a campaign to preserve the rare species of bhojpatra. Along with preserving our tradition and culture, this effort is becoming a means of economic progress.”
At least 40 women have been trained till now and the bhojpatras prepared by them are being sold at Hilans – a government outlet at Badrinath. Some women are also selling them individually.