GI Day 2025: NABARD New Delhi Showcases Crafts and Rural Empowerment

To commemorate launch of Geographical Indications (GIs) in India on 15 September 2003  New Delhi Regional Office of NABARD celebrated Geographical Indications (GI) Day with the theme “Preserving Heritage, Fostering Livelihoods through GI”, highlighting India’s timeless cultural wealth and the transformative potential of GI in enriching and strengthening rural livelihoods.

The celebration was graced by Sh. Debashish Mishra, CGM, SBI, Dr. Rajnikant, Padamshree Awardee and GI Expert, Sh. Rajesh Kumar, GM, SLBC, Dr. Hara Gopal Yandra, MD, NABCONS, Sh. Jiji Mammen, CEO, SaDhan, Sh. Virendra Kumar, Regional Director, North Region, Office of Handicrafts, ⁠Smt. Aditi Gupta, DGM, RBI and Sh. Akash Pawar, DGM SIDBI. The event witnessed active participation from representatives of LDMs, Ministry of MSME, State Government officials, Bankers, prospective Authorised User groups, artisans among others, enriching the dialogue with valuable insights for strengthening the GI ecosystem.

The programme commenced with the launch of a short film “ Dilli ki Dharohar” – GI led livelihoods depicting the journey of traditional crafts such as wood carving, glass beads, and terracotta pottery in the NCT Delhi, and how GI registration will offer them a renewed lease of life by preserving heritage and fostering livelihoods.

A vibrant exhibition of GI-tagged products was organised, showcasing the artistry of terracotta pottery, wood carving, and glass beads. The exhibition highlighted the uniqueness of these products while underlining their potential for sustainable rural livelihoods and enhanced income generation.

In his welcome address, Shri Nabin Kumar Roy, GM/OiC, NABARD New Delhi RO, spoke about NABARD’s pioneering role in promoting GI. He emphasised that GI is not merely a legal recognition, but a powerful instrument for economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and global re-positioning of India’s heritage. He reiterated NABARD’s commitment to building strong GI value chains through financial support, market linkages, branding, and awareness campaigns. He also shared his vision of expanding GI registration in the State and explored the emerging potential of heritage financing in enriching rural development and urged bankers to consider the segment as a greenfield for ushering in “ Vocal for Local & Local for Global”.

A detailed presentation was made on Geographical Indications ( GI) and the GI policy of NABARD. Till date 464 products across the country have been supported by NABARD and 139 have successfully been awarded. Post GI activities including creating a verified skill force of Authorised users have also been initiated with over sixteen thousand Authorised users’ registrations across India.

Speaking on the occasion Sh. Debasish Mishra, CGM, SBI, noted that GI tags not only safeguard the identity of indigenous products but also provide artisans and farmers with a distinct market identity, leading to better incomes and wider recognition. He highlighted that Geographical Indications (GI) hold immense potential for employment generation, especially in rural India, where traditional crafts, agricultural products, and indigenous knowledge form the backbone of local economies. By tapping into the unique identity of these products, GI can unlock new market opportunities, both domestically and internationally. Supporting GI is not just an economic initiative—it is a cultural commitment, preserving heritage while empowering artisans. In the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat, promoting GI products aligns with the national vision of self-reliance and inclusive development. The speaker concludes by emphasizing that commercial banks like SBI, and development finance institutions such as NABARD and SIDBI, have a collective responsibility to support the artisans and communities involved in creating and promoting GI products, ensuring their sustainability and growth. He stressed that GI has the potential to place rural India firmly on the global map and urged fellow bankers to come forward to support this initiative.

Shri Virender Kumar, Regional Director, Handicrafts, Govt. of India commended NABARD for the path breaking initiatives in NCT of Delhi and stated full coordination and support to NABARD in this endeavour.

Emphasising on the issues and challenges, Padmashree, Dr. Rajnikant, Expert Speaker, commended NABARD’s role in supporting the GI movement and facilitating the registration of traditional products, thus ensuring their continuity for future generations. He said that the Government both at Centre and State levels and NABARD have been actively promoting GI-tagged products through exhibitions, trade fairs, and other platforms, yet more can be done. Small contributions from stakeholders can help elevate GI products to national and international prominence. He emphasized the need for post-GI initiatives like skill upgradation, requirement analysis, and design development, authorised user registrations etc. Promoting GI among youth through quality control, branding, and efficient dispatch will boost confidence and visibility. Institutions like NABARD, SBI, SIDBI, etc. share the responsibility to support artisans and strengthen the GI ecosystem.

Artisan societies, including Falah Handicraft Society and Maa Dharitri Terracotta & Allied Producer Co. Ltd., shared their experiences and expectations from both the Government and NABARD. Their testimonies reflected how GI will positively impact their work and open new horizons for collective growth.

The programme concluded with a call for collective action to increase awareness, recognition, consumption, and promotion of India’s GI products, ensuring that heritage translates into livelihoods, and tradition into sustainable prosperity.