Noida, Dec 19: The GI Mahotsav, themed “Promoting India’s Heritage through GI Products”, an initiative by the Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India, brought together experts to empower artisans with practical tools for marketing Geographical Indication (GI) tagged goods. Organized by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), the event featured insightful talks on schemes like PM Vishwakarma, IPR registration, cooperative exports, and digital marketplaces, urging a shift from tradition to global trade.

Dr. R. K. Bharti, Joint Director HOO, MSME-DFO, Okhla, Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India, highlighted the Ministry’s new trial in Delhi under the PM Vishwakarma scheme, covering 18 artisan trades. He emphasized solving marketing and packaging hurdles through partnerships like the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP). “We’ve got a mobile van in the works to showcase and sell these products right here in Delhi- packaged professionally at cost, so artisans focus on craft, not logistics,” Dr. Bharti shared, drawing from his early career lessons on light-sensitive packaging to inspire modern solutions. He also stressed local adaptation via District Industry Centres (DICs) and diversification for economic growth, using Gujarat’s entrepreneurial spirit as a model.

Shri N. R. Meena, Sr. Joint Controller of Patents & Designs, Head of office, Patent Office Delhi, explained IPR processes under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. He outlined online filing for patents, designs, trademarks, and GIs, with 10% discounts and 98% digital submissions, explaining how examiners conduct global searches for novelty. On GIs, he noted 697 registrations to date, requiring societal applications for regional benefits. “File from home; AI assigns experts automatically across our five offices, it’s simple, fast, and borderless,” Shri Meena said, underscoring the rising 20-30% application trend as proof of India’s booming innovation ecosystem.

Shri Santosh Kumar Shukla, Chief Operating Officer, IFFCO-Mitsubishi Corporation, connected GI tagging to India’s economic ambitions- from 4th largest at $4.19 trillion to $30 trillion by 2047. Sharing anecdotes from the 2024 International Cooperative Alliance event, he advocated digital GI tags for instant global links, especially in agri-produce like Prayagraj guavas. “GI ensures buyers get authentic value, turning local cooperatives- linked to 5 crore farmers- into world players,” Shri Shukla remarked, calling for portal registrations to unlock ODOP and export opportunities.

Dr. S. S. Acharya, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, The National Small Industries Corporation Ltd. (NSIC), focused on scaling GI from 658 to 10,000 tags by 2030 via B2B meets and digital leaps. He detailed NSIC’s Trade Enablement Scheme with ONDC, aiming to onboard 5 lakh MSMEs- including 2.5 lakh women-led, onto platforms like msmemart.com, featuring country pavilions for Egypt and beyond. “Exhibitions are great starts, but technology doubles incomes- join us to sell heritage abroad, from Nigeria to Thailand,” Dr. Acharya urged, praising PHDCCI for bridging artisans to vast markets.

Ms. Sweety Upadhyay, Asst. Commissioner, Directorate of Industries & Enterprise Promotion, Gautam Buddha Nagar, UP, framed GI tags as cultural soft power beyond economics. She spotlighted UP’s ODOP scheme, offering loans up to ₹2 crore with 10% subsidy, 60-70% exhibition aid, and CM Youth Employment loans, citing Baghpat’s home furnishings doubling exports post-GI. “Let’s turn GI into a public movement with standard packaging, community radio, and dedicated malls to aggregate products and boost awareness,” she said, celebrating UP’s 77 tags plus 25 upcoming.

Shri Gaurav Gogia, Principal Associate, United & United, advised artisans on IP pitfalls, stressing unique packaging to avoid imitation lawsuits and vigilance against GI infringers from other regions. He clarified ODOP is district-specific but other loans apply, offering on-site help via PHDCCI’s IP Facilitation Center for near-100% reimbursement on registrations. “Draw inspiration, not copies- protect your brand early, and we’re here to guide you through trademarks, patents, or enforcement,” Shri Gogia assured, staying for consultations.

Shri Vinod Karwa, Chair, MSME Committee, PHDCCI, celebrated GI’s protective power, like blocking Versace’s Kolhapuri slippers patent, while pushing for 10,000 tags by 2030. He highlighted hidden gems like Assam’s fiery Bhut Jolokia chili, urging participation to elevate regional specialties nationally. “GI brings forgotten treasures to the spotlight- join us to promote them, create jobs, and unlock greater value,” Shri Karwa encouraged, noting PHDCCI’s third such event.

Shri D P Goel, Co-Chair, MSME Committee, PHDCCI, thanked artisans for showcasing India’s talent and predicted IT-savvy Noida youth would drive sales. He recapped expert inputs on packaging, digital marketing, and schemes, announcing the next GI Mahotsav in Guwahati. “Think big to grow big- our exhibitions build pride and markets for your heritage,” Shri Goel said, expressing gratitude to all speakers.

Dr. H. P. Kumar, Former Chairman & Managing Director, NSIC and Advisor, PHDCCI, called for holistic GI support beyond exhibitions- raw material depots, finance, tech upgrades, and market intel for over 1 crore livelihoods. He envisioned innovation and cultural ties for global reach. “Exhibitions spark sales, but sustained growth needs government-backed inputs for our artisans’ survival and scale,” Dr. Kumar emphasized.

Dr. Jatinder Singh, Deputy Secretary General, PHDCCI, positioned the four-day Mahotsav as a platform uniting stakeholders to certify and label GI for niche markets. He promoted PHDCCI’s IPFC for subsidized GI, trademark, and patent services across cities. “Festivals like this showcase heritage in spirit- building capacities so craftsmen thrive domestically and abroad,” Dr. Singh welcomed.