Delhi Bureau report
Smt Darshana V Jardosh Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Textiles and Railways, Govt. of India was Guest of Honour at function
Handicrafts export fraternity welcome eagerly awaited event
New Delhi – The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) organised its 23rd Handicrafts Export Awards Function today at New Delhi. This eagerly awaited function recognised exporters for their outstanding performance during the years 2017-18 and 2018-19. The evening saw a huge gathering of India’s handicraft exporters from all parts of India along with Mr. Raj K Malhotra, Chairman, EPCH; Vice Chairman, EPCH – Shri Kamal Soni; Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH and Chairman, India Exposition Mart Ltd.; members of EPCH’s Committee of Administration.
Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Govt. of India, was the Chief Guest at the function and gave away the awards in the presence of Guest of Honour, Smt. Darshana Vikram Jardosh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Textiles and Railways, Govt. of India. The occasion was also graced by Shri Upendra Prasad Singh, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India and was presided by Shri Shantmanu, IAS, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India.
Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Govt. of India, congratulated the award winners and encouraged them to envision and work towards multi-fold growth for their enterprises which percolates to growth and better livelihood to the 30 lakh registered grassroot artisans potentially engaged with them. He specially complimented the dynamism of the sector and Shri Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH, for commissioning the landmark MICE destination – India Expo Centre and Mart and the handicrafts sector uniquely running it not only as a self- sustained but profitable enterprise, which was inconceivable at that time. Calling the sector full of infinite possibilities and envisioning immense growth potential for the sector, he urged the trade, especially the forward looking youth to propose ideas and plans for the growth path ahead. He emphasised the need not just to meet demand but create more demand through product innovation and incisive marketing, branding, design, quality consistency and packaging.
Smt. Darshana Vikram Jardosh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Textiles and Railways, Govt. of India said, “The efforts and support of the Handicraft exporters’ community in spreading the culture and identity of the nation is truly appreciable. I hope the next generation of exporters continue this culture and take this sector to greater heights giving our handicrafts the place of pride they truly deserve. GI crafts and many local crafts are yet to attain their true market viability and have potential to be explored. EPCH is already doing a praiseworthy job in that direction.” She further added, EPCH’s exhibitions that include all segments of entrepreneurs, are proof of the progress the sector is making. Through such efforts not just the export community is promoted but also local artisans are elevated. This is in keeping with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of uplifting those working at the base level and giving them their due.
