PHDCCI is organizing a three-day GI Mahotsav: Promoting India’s Heritage through GI Products an initiative by the Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India from 21st to 23rd March 2025. The event features products from 15 states, with diversified range of GI-certified products, including Bengal Kantha, Kashmir’s Pashmina, MP’s Maheshwari Sarees, Chamba Rumal, Kangra Painting, Madhubani Painting, Black Pottery, Mysore Soap and Agarbathi, Kannauj Perfumes and many other traditional artisan products from different regions.

On this occasion, a conference of stakeholders including senior officials from the Government participated and addressed the exhibitors.

This GI Mahotsav marks a significant milestone in promoting GI Products of our country’s rich cultural heritage and economic potential. Through collaborative efforts, the event has brought together artisans, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to showcase the diverse range of Geographical Indication (GI) products, highlighting their unique qualities and traditional craftsmanship.

With a focus on empowering local producers, the exhibition is providing a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and business opportunities, fostering growth and recognition for India’s GI sector.

Dr Rashmi Singh, Principal Resident Commissioner, J&K in her inaugural address mentioned that she herself is a great proponent of GI products and complimented PHDCCI & the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, for organising this GI Mahotsav which has provided an excellent opportunity to the GI product manufacturers from all over the country to showcase and market their products.

She added, that this sector is relatively new, and not many people are aware of GI products. In the beginning, it is crucial to promote these schemes through conferences as it help raise awareness. She also stressed that with time the environmental sustainability, local economy, and social responsibility also increase among the people of India through such initiatives. It is not just about buyer-seller interactions but also about promoting and preserving indigenous products, and Art & the culture of the country.

Prof. (Dr) Unnat P. Pandit, Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM), RoC, GI & SICLDR, DPIIT, MoC&I, Govt. of India in his address informed that as a GI registrar, it is truly a privilege to witness the exhibition of diversified GI products and interact with them. He discussed that it has been 20 years since the GI Act was enacted, and so far, 650 GI products have been registered. He emphasized that GI is India’s cultural heritage and identity and is a significant community intellectual property right.

The increased promotion of GI products will directly contribute to better sustainable livelihoods for artisans. He further highlighted that efforts are being made to bring GI products into every household through the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative and the GeM portal. He urged collective efforts to take India’s cultural heritage forward as part of the vision for a developed Bharat.

Dr Ranjeet Mehta, CEO and Secretary General, PHDCCI welcomed the dignitaries and participants and mentioned that India is proud of an incredible variety of GI-tagged products across multiple sectors. These include traditional textiles, handicrafts, agricultural goods, and food products, each deeply tied to the culture and heritage of their regions. The GI system provides protection against unauthorized use of regional product names and ensures that producers are rewarded for their quality and craftsmanship.

Mr Vinod Karwa, Chair, MSME Committee PHDCCI, appreciated the Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India for giving PHDCCI this opportunity to host this 3 day GI Mahotsav, bringing together the artisans and manufacturers of GI products from across the country.

He further added that in our globalized world, protecting and promoting our GI products isn’t just a matter of cultural pride; it’s a strategic economic imperative. These products carry with them centuries of tradition, craftsmanship, and distinctiveness that set them apart in the international markets.

Mr D P Goel, Co- Chair, MSME Committee, PHDCCI, expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of MSME for their unwavering support and emphasized the Chamber’s commitment to nurturing and promoting the GI ecosystem in India. He reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts in harnessing the full potential of GI products to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Dr H P Kumar, Advisor, PHDCCI and Former CMD, NSIC highlighted the various government schemes and policies that have been initiated to promote new business enterprises and facilitate MSMEs to grow and build sustainable businesses. He further explained about the different schemes like the Start Up India, Stand up India and Pradhan Mantri Employment Generation Program (PMEGP), among others, which are very progressive.

Dr R K Bharti, Joint Director, HOO, MSME-DFO, Okhla, New Delhi, Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India highlighted the importance of intellectual property rights and GIs which bring together cultural heritage and traditional art from different regions. He mentioned that the Ministry of MSME is providing various support services for the promotion of the GI product and this GI Mahotsav is a part of the Ministry’s initiative. He invited the participating GI units to contact his office for any assistance required may be required by them. A detailed presentation on the schemes of Ministry of MSME was also made by Mr Sunil Kumar, Asst. Director, Ministry of MSME.

The conference was also addressed by Dr S S Acharya, CMD, NSIC who briefed about MSMEs initiative to help the MSME sector through credit, marketing and their digital platforms. He offered to extend NSICs support services to GI participating units for their technology development and building competitive strengths in the global market.

The inaugural day witnessed an enthusiastic gathering of industry leaders, policymakers, artisans, and enthusiasts alike. The GI Mahotsav continues with an exciting line up of panel discussions, workshops, cultural performances, and networking opportunities.