A Visit to an Exhibition
Recently an exhibition was held in our district town. It was not so grand an affair as the Manufacturers’ Exhibition held in Delhi some years ago; yet it was well represented and well-attended. It was remarkable in many respects. The exhibition was organised by the District authorities. It was held in an open maidan, A temporary fence was erected on all sides and temporary stalls were built to keep exhibits. There were agricultural exhibits. Farmers had sent these. There were vegetables of all kinds and sizes. One farmer sent a peculiar turnip. Every body praised it. It was surprise to see a plum which resembled a red apple. There were fine specimens of cereals, sweet potatoes and tomatoes of different kinds and colours.
Specimens of local pottery were also exhibited. There were pots and pans, cups and saucers. But what attracted us most were artificially made fruits and flowers. The shades of colour were so beautifully laid that they deceived even the sharpest eye. Then there were the textile products prepared by the local weavers. The muslin made by a weaver was so light and fine that it appeared as if it were a specimen of the ancient Dacca art. Besides, a blacksmith had sent models of an aeroplane and an anti-aircraft gun. A carpenter had sent a cabinet for a radio set. An artist had sent a statue of Lord Buddha.
The exhibition lasted for ten days or so. Thousands of people- visited it and buying and selling worth thousands of rupees were done. The District authorities were highly pleased with its success. Hundreds of rupees were collected by the sale of tickets. It was decided that the money be spent in improving the condition of the district hospital.
The need for organising such exhibitions in our villages and towns is great at present. Local skill is not deficient and if properly tapped, it can add immensely to the wealth of India.
