The 53rd edition of the IHGF Delhi Fair concluded with a Valedictory Ceremony and Best Display Awards with the presence of Raj K Malhotra, Chairman, EPCH, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH & Chairman, IEML; Members of Committee of Administration, EPCH and R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH.
In his wishes for a successful fair, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India had said, “Our handicrafts sector reflects the unity in diversity, richness and vibrancy of our society and culture. The emphasis is on providing wider market opportunities for our hardworking craftsmen,” and added, “Our Govt. firmly believes that technology upgradation holds the key to its expansion. We have taken decisive measures to further research and innovation in the sector and help manufacturers produce even more user-friendly and durable products.”
Patronized by the international sourcing community, the globally acclaimed IHGF Delhi Fair with its 2596 exhibitors, regional displays and a host of supporting events is heading towards the culmination of its 53rd edition. Sustainability has been at the fore as many buyers sought eco-friendly and compliant ranges in home and lifestyle products. Many said they loved the ‘raw’ and ‘natural’ look and their suppliers at the fair this time, offered more options in repurposed cast-off materials and derivatives drawn from nature.
European buyers have sourced interesting regular use bags as alternatives to plastics, among other home products. Many selected basketry and home utility made from jute, hemp, coarse riverside grass, cane & bamboo, etc. Exhibitors at the fair have been equally inclined towards sustainability and have surprised the buyers with many possibilities.
R K Malhotra, Chairman, EPCH, said, “Our buyers have been happy to see that we share the global concern towards saving the environment. They have liked contemporary and stylish cane & bamboo crafts, home decoratives, furniture & furnishings, artisanal textiles, dry flowers & potpourri, natural fibre products, handcrafted fashion jewellery & accessories, etc., on display by our exhibitors and all confirming to prevalent and upcoming trends in international markets because of which they are in high demand. “
Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH & Chairman, IEML, said, “Today, while many established players (manufacturers/exporters) in India have taken decisive steps to be socially as well as environmentally responsible and compliant, and are certified, there are many artisans and manufacturers at the grassroots level whose business model is essentially centered on sustainability. We have brought them to the forefront through this fair.”
Approximately 4856 buyers and buying representatives from 92 countries visited the fair that resulted in business enquiries worth Rs. 3650 cr” informed R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH. “Buyers visited from USA, UK, UAE, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Greece, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Russia, Japan, Australia, China, Singapore, South Africa, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Canada, Brazil, and many more,” he further added. Buying groups included names like:
The Ajai Shankar and P N Suri Memorial Awards for Best Design Display were given in the six product categories. A special category award was also given:
Ajai Shankar Memorial Awards: in Lamps, Lighting and Accessories category
Award was given to Danish of M/s Citicrafts Corporation, Moradabad (Gold) and Abdullah Hussain of M/s RH Collection India, Moradabad (Silver)
In Home Textiles, Furnishings and Floor Coverings
Award was given to Ayush Behal of M/s Alpha Corporation, Ludhiana (Gold) and Chirag and Ms. Sanya Parnami of M/s Seen Unseen, Jaipur (Silver)
In Christmas Decoratives and Festive Decor
Award was given to Simran Singh Sachdev of M/s Simran Export Inc., New Delhi (Gold) and Om Prakash Gupta of M/s The Surya Exports, New Delhi (Silver)
In Fashion Jewellery & Accessories category Award was given to Kuldeep Singh of M/s DWS Jewellery Pvt. Ltd., Jaipur (Gold) and Devan Patodia of M/s Patodia Organics LLP, Kolkata (Silver)
P N Suri Memorial Awards: in Houseware, Tableware, Kitchenware and Hotelware (including EPNS) category
Award was given to Karan kapoor of M/s Adharv International, Moradabad (Gold) and Devendra Ahlawat of M/s Destiny Creations Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi (Silver)
In Furniture, Furniture Hardware & Accessories
Award was given to Rahul and Deepak Bhardwaj of M/s R R Overseas, Moradabad (Gold) and Aman Mehta of M/s Lariya Art Palace Pvt. Ltd., Jodhpur (Silver)
Special Category Award: Sustainable Crafts Award was given to Birendra Kumar Bengani of M/s Bonafide Exports, Jodhpur
EPCH is a nodal agency for promoting exports of handicrafts from the Country to various destinations of the world and projecting India’s image abroad as reliable supplier of high quality of handicrafts goods & services. Handicrafts exports during the year 2020-21 were Rs. 25679.98 ($3459.75 mn) and the estimated exports during April-February 2021-22 is Rs. 29626.96 cr ($3981.72 mn) during eleven months of 2021-22.
