The Jammu and Kashmir crafts pavilion bagged gold and silver award at the 51st edition of IHGF-Delhi Fair-2021, held virtually due to COVID-19 pandemic.The highlights of the fair were demonstrations, webinars and thematic participation of crafts of Jammu & Kashmir and North East region.
The five-day event concluded today with the distribution of Ajai Shankar Memorial awards for best virtual booth wherein Navneet Sehgal, Additional Chief Secretary (MSME), was the Chief Guest. In his address, Sehgal congratulated EPCH for initiating virtual fairs and providing a viable marketing platform during these difficult times to the exporters of handicrafts.
Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General EPCH, said that during the five days of the event it was observed that as the pandemic forced people indoors, there has been demand for items like furniture, home furnishings, rugs, décor etc.
“As the pandemic situation has eased a little bit in the major countries of Europe and USA, the overseas retailers are looking to replenish their stores and hence looking to source products from the fair,” he said.
Ravi K. Passi, Chairman EPCH, said the 51stedition of IHGF-Delhi fair 2021 was the first of its kind virtual trade fair for handicraft products spread over in 15 virtual halls and participated by around 700 manufacturers and exporters from the country.
The show was a success both in terms of exhibitor’s participation, as well as buyers, visit leading to generation of serious business enquiries worth Rs 225 crores.
Arshad Mir, Member Committee of Administration EPCH informed that participation in IHGF-Delhi Fair in virtual mode has been a boon to the exhibitors of Jammu and Kashmir who during these difficult times have been looking for marketing opportunities.
“Through this participation with support of office of Development Commissioner Handicrafts, Union Ministry of Textiles I am sure that the entrepreneurs from Jammu and Kashmir will be able to interact with both international as well as domestic and transact business,” he said.
Mir further informed that 21 entrepreneurs exhibited their world-famous home furnishing, textiles, carpets, papier-mâché, fashion accessories and wooden handicrafts in an exclusive pavilion.
The Ajai Shankar Memorial awards for best design display for virtual booths in Jammu & Kashmir pavilion were awarded to M/s Bangroo Arts, Srinagar (gold award) and M/s Srinagar Collection, Srinagar (silver award).
