“GI & Beyond 2024” Summit Celebrates India’s Handloom and Handicraft Heritage

New Delhi: The “GI & Beyond 2024” Summit, a landmark event organized by the Office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, in collaboration with the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC), concluded successfully today in New Delhi. The summit showcased the rich cultural heritage and global significance of India’s Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged handloom and handicraft products, drawing attention to the remarkable skills of Indian artisans.

Union Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh, inaugurated the event as the chief guest. Highlighting the role of GI products in promoting India’s cultural legacy, the Minister emphasized the importance of integrating these products into global markets through heritage and cultural tourism.

Singh distributed GI certificates to ten artisans and reiterated the government’s commitment to taking GI-tagged products “from Gaon to Global.” He stated, “As we move towards a Vikasit Bharat, our heritage is our capital. GI tags represent our virasat (heritage), and we must showcase this creativity to the world.” The Minister also encouraged state governments to collaborate with the Ministry of Textiles in organizing exclusive trade festivals to promote these products, drawing inspiration from the Kutch festival.

Empowering Artisans and Preserving Heritage

Minister of State for Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, graced the occasion as the guest of honor. He described the handloom and handicrafts sector as more than just industries, noting their role in preserving India’s diversity and traditions. “Each GI product tells a story of its people and heritage,” he remarked, emphasizing the role of GI as a tool for empowerment and global outreach.

Global Engagement and Collaboration

The event witnessed participation from 13 countries across four continents, featuring 20 overseas buyers, 50 exporters and multinational corporations, 70 GI-authorized users, and 40 officials from various government departments.

Technical sessions focused on modernizing traditional crafts through business integration, enhancing their global appeal. Interactions between overseas buyers, domestic exporters, and GI-authorized users highlighted the potential for collaboration. Overseas participants praised the summit for showcasing India’s ethnic traditions, while exporters expressed enthusiasm for expanding the global reach of these unique products.

Showcasing Regional Artistry

A special thematic display featured a vibrant array of GI-tagged products, underscoring their regional uniqueness and cultural value. Artisans and authorized GI holders from across India participated, drawing significant interest from attendees and fostering appreciation for India’s rich craftsmanship.

Commitment to the Future

The summit concluded with a collective pledge to continue supporting the handloom and handicraft sectors. This commitment aims to ensure that India’s GI-tagged legacy thrives both nationally and internationally, empowering artisans and preserving the nation’s cultural heritage for generations to come.

The “GI & Beyond 2024” Summit reaffirmed India’s resolve to blend tradition with innovation, enabling its artisans to shine on the global stage.