In New Delhi, the 24th Handicrafts Export Awards Function was held by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). Participants in the event included R K Verma, Executive Director of EPCH; Members of the Committee of Administration; Dileep Baid, Chairman of EPCH; Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chief Mentor serving as Chairman of India Exposition Mart Ltd. and Director General, EPCH; and members of the media.

For their exceptional achievement in the 2019–20 and 2020–21 fiscal years, 123 awards and merit certificates were presented to Indian handicraft exporters in a variety of categories.

The chief guest of the event was Giriraj Singh, the Union Minister of Textiles, who also gave the award presentation alongside guest of honour Rachna Shah, IAS, Secretary, Ministry Of Textiles, along with Additional Secretary Rohit Kansal, IPoS, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles.

Giriraj Singh congratulated all the award recipients for their relentless dedication and significant role in contributing to the Indian economy. Calling them ‘champions’ he urged them to prove India’s worth to the world by working advantageously on the existing strength of an exceptional heritage, 800 clusters producing 35,000 products and the ability to be factories to the world’s biggest markets like with major markets including the UK, USA, Canada, France, Australia, Germany and Italy.

“These awards, representing export performance across product groups, regions, and women entrepreneurs, honour exceptional efforts of securing a strong presence in international markets,” said Rachna Shah.