The 40th edition of IHGF-Delhi Fair Autumn 2015, the world’s largest fair of Indian handicrafts and gifts was declared open by Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Union Minister of State (I/C) at India Expo Centre and Mart. The fair is being organized by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH).
Vimla Batham, MlA, Gautam Budh Nagar, SK Panda, secretary (textiles), Rama Raman, chairman, GNIDA and Alok Kumar, development commissioner (handicrafts) also graced the inaugural ceremony.
During the inauguration, Gangwar said Handicrafts of India have distinct image and cannot be matched by the world and image of Indian handicrafts can be further promoted through this kind of fairs. He further said that exporting community should innovate new products so that buyers who visit IHGF-Delhi fair should take the impression back with them that they cannot source these kinds of products from anywhere else.India has a treasure of raw material, craftsmanship and ethnic tradition and systems, we have to reorient to bring innovation and newness. He applauded EPCH for adding newness to the fair by expanding area and constructing new halls.
He further said handicrafts sector is one of the largest and provides employment to more than seven million artisans and craftspersons who are the backbone of this sector. Government and exporting community needs to work together for the promotion of this sector.
Pandacongratulated the handicrafts sector for achieving reasonable growth. He said that handicrafts sector not only earns foreign exchange but also provides livelihood to large number of artisans.