Lok Samvardhan Parv | 26 Aug 2025

Why in News?

The Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, is organizing the 5th edition of Lok Samvardhan Parv from 26th August to 4th September, 2025, in Kochi, Kerala.

  • The event, marking the first-ever Lok Samvardhan Parv in Kerala, will showcase over 100 artisans and 15 culinary experts from across the country.

Key Points

  • About: Lok Samvardhan Parv is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, designed to empower artisans, craftspersons, weavers, culinary experts, and entrepreneurs from minority communities by providing them with market linkages and national exposure. 
  • Objective: The festival aims to celebrate India’s vibrant diversity and provide a platform for these communities to showcase their art, craft, and culinary talent. 
    • This initiative is aligned with the government's vision of promoting inclusive development and self-reliance among minority communities.
  • Crafts: The festival will showcase a wide variety of traditional crafts, including:

Craft/Art

Region

Zari and Chikankari

Uttar Pradesh

Phulkari embroidery

Punjab

Madhubani paintings

Bihar

Blue Pottery

Rajasthan

Pashmina weaving

Ladakh

Bastar Iron Craft

Chhattisgarh

Channapatna wooden toys

Karnataka

Nettippattam making

Kerala

India's Minority Communities 

  • Minority Communities: The Central Government determines minority status under the National Commission for Minorities Act (NCMA), 1992, officially recognizing Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains (added in 2014), and Zoroastrians (Parsis) as minority communities.  
    • Together, they constitute around 19.3% of India’s total population (Census 2011). 
    • While most states follow the central list, some, like Maharashtra, may have their own (e.g., Jews are a notified minority in Maharashtra). 
  • Constitutional Provisions: 
    • Article 29 protects minorities' rights to preserve their distinct language, script, and culture, and prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, or language. 
    • Article 30 grants minorities the right to establish and manage educational institutions. 
  • Institutions to Protect Minority Rights:  
    • Ministry of Minority Affairs: Established in 2006, carved out from the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, coordinates programs for the socio-economic development of minority communities in India. 
    • National Commission for Minorities (NCM): Created under the NCMA 1992, the NCM safeguards the interests of minority groups in line with the Constitution and laws enacted by the Parliament.