SDM Chirag Sharma highlights the role of national exhibitions in promoting local products, innovation and scientific awareness
Chamba, October 25, 2026: The three-day mega exhibition, Atmanirbhar Bharat – Third Destination Himachal Expo 2026, concluded at the historic Chowgan Ground in Chamba on Sunday, bringing together government departments, scientific institutions and representatives of traditional handicrafts.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Chamba Chirag Sharma attended the concluding ceremony as the chief guest. He inspected stalls set up by various Union ministries, government departments and scientific institutions, taking details about the technologies, innovations and public welfare schemes showcased at the exhibition. Representatives of stalls that delivered outstanding displays were also felicitated.
Addressing the gathering, Sharma thanked the organisers for bringing a national-level exhibition to Chamba, a remote district of Himachal Pradesh. He said providing such a platform for innovation and knowledge-sharing in a region like Chamba was a commendable initiative.
He emphasised that the local administration had a responsibility to provide better platforms and national exposure to local talent, artisans and products.The SDM said the policies and schemes presented by various departments had helped spread awareness among visitors and local residents, encouraging them to explore and benefit from government initiatives.
He also highlighted the importance of showcasing the achievements of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and other scientific institutions. Exposure to scientific advancements, he said, could encourage curiosity, scientific thinking and innovative ideas among students, laying the foundation for their future development.
The three-day exhibition witnessed participation from around 20 Union ministries, along with prominent scientific and research institutions, including ISRO, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).Special emphasis was placed on promoting Chamba’s traditional arts and handicrafts, including Chamba Thal, Chamba Rumal and Chamba Chappal. The exhibition aimed to showcase the region’s cultural heritage while creating greater visibility for local craftsmanship and products.
Sharma was accorded a warm welcome upon his arrival at the venue. Representatives of Avishkar Exhibition honoured him with a shawl, a traditional Himachali cap and a memento. Cultural performances were also organised during the concluding ceremony.On behalf of Avishkar Exhibition, Mani Tiwari expressed gratitude to Governor Kavinder Gupta, patron Dr Rajiv Bhardwaj, Chamba Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal and all those who supported the event.
The organisers said the successful exhibition had encouraged local youth, entrepreneurs and artisans to pursue self-reliance and explore new opportunities through innovation, traditional skills and entrepreneurship.
Best Display Awards Announced
The following institutions and organisations were recognised for their displays at the exhibition:
- Bureau of Indian Standards
- Indian Institute of Remote Sensing
- Geological Survey of India
- National Institute of Ayurveda
- Madhya Pradesh Handicrafts
- Palampur Science Centre
- Ministry of Earth Sciences
- National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)
- CSIR–Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT)
- NHPC
- Bureau of Indian Standards
- Northern Railway
- ICMR–DKMA
- India Tourism
The expo concluded with a message of self-reliance, scientific awareness and the promotion of local products, highlighting the potential of national-level platforms to connect remote communities with wider opportunities.
