The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) organised its '23rd Handicrafts Export Awards Function' on June 28 in 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 Raj K Malhotra, Chairman, EPCH; Kamal Soni, Vice Chairman, EPCH; Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH and Chairman, India Exposition Mart Limited and members of EPCH's Committee of Administration.
Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Government of India, was the Chief Guest at the function and gave away the awards in the presence of Guest of Honour, Darshana Vikram Jardosh, Union Minister of State for Textiles and Railways, Government of India. The occasion was also graced by Upendra Prasad Singh, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India and was presided by Shantmanu, IAS, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
Piyush Goyal 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 for the 30-lakh registered grassroot artisans potentially engaged with them. He specially complimented the dynamism of the sector and Rakesh Kumar 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.
Darshana Vikram Jardosh 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 continues this culture and takes this sector to greater heights by giving our handicrafts the place of pride they truly deserve."
Upendra Prasad Singh congratulated the export fraternity for their contribution to India's export basket and reaching out to overseas markets, while staying connected with a highly regarded heritage and skill base of artisans at the grassroots level, sustaining them and keeping the value chain of lakhs of artisans nourished through direct and indirect employment.
Raj Kumar Malhotra shared, "A total of 126 awards were given to 61 winners of the year 2017-18 and 65 winners of the year 2018-19. The awards aim to create a sense of healthy and wholesome competition amongst exporters. Over the years, these have become a coveted recognition amongst the handicrafts exporters as more and more strive to achieve a place in these awards."
Rakesh Kumar, who thanked the dignitaries for their presence, encouragement and support, added, "Due to the pandemic, the export awards function is being held after a gap of three years, hence, honoured awardees are for two consecutive years. This annual event of the sector was enthusiastically awaited by one and all, as the handicrafts fraternity of India congregates at this function, not only to get acknowledged for their efforts towards exports but also to applaud and inspire each other"