HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Jan 15: Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Thursday inaugurated the GI Mahotsav, titled “Promoting India’s Heritage through GI Products”, at the Arya Vidyapeeth College Ground here, calling it a significant step towards linking cultural heritage with economic progress.
Organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry with support from the Ministry of MSME and the Office of the Development Commissioner (MSME), the festival aims to showcase and promote India’s Geographical Indication (GI) products at national and global levels.
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Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the Governor said the Mahotsav reflects the spirit of Vocal for Local by highlighting products created through the skill and dedication of artisans, farmers, weavers and craftsmen.
He described the event as a platform that provides visibility to traditional skills, cultural legacy and the local economy, and congratulated the Ministry of MSME and PHDCCI for organising what he termed a forward-looking initiative.
Explaining the importance of GI tags, Acharya said they signify a product’s unique connection to its geographical origin and embody the traditional identity, indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage of a region.
He noted that such products, preserved over generations by rural and marginal communities, have earned recognition both nationally and internationally.
The Governor said Assam holds a distinctive place in India’s GI landscape, citing examples such as Muga and Eri silk, Sualkuchi weaving, Sarthebari bell metal craft, Asharikandi terracotta, Assam tea and GI-tagged Kaji Nemu.
He added that GI products enhance the income and dignity of producers while preserving traditional knowledge and sustainable practices.
Highlighting government support, Acharya referred to initiatives such as the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme, RAMP, Micro and Small Enterprise Cluster Development Programme, Credit Guarantee Scheme and the One District One Product initiative, which aim to strengthen GI-linked MSMEs.
Emphasising the role of women and youth, he said a strong GI ecosystem promotes rural livelihoods, women’s empowerment and youth participation, and called for coordinated efforts by governments, industry bodies and the private sector to realise the full potential of GI products.
The Governor said the GI Mahotsav is not just an exhibition but a celebration of India’s cultural soul and self-reliant future.
The programme was attended by PHDCCI Secretary General Dr Ranjit Mehta, MSME Committee Chairman Vinod Karwa, former PHDCCI Northeast president A Towi Chopi, NEC Secretary Satinder Kumar Bhalla, along with artisans, entrepreneurs and other dignitaries.
