Shillong, Aug 6: The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Shillong, commenced its Handloom Week celebrations on Wednesday with a session by Dr. Rajani Kant, popularly known as the GI Man of India. The event marked the first day of the week-long celebration dedicated to India’s handloom heritage and the people who sustain it.
Padma Shri awardee Kant and General Secretary of the Human Welfare Association, Varanasi, addressed students and faculty members on the theme of “Geographical Indications: From Local Craft to Global Identity.” With over three decades of ground-level work with artisans, weavers, and marginal communities across India, Dr. Kant brought invaluable insight into how traditional knowledge systems and crafts can be protected, promoted, and globalized through the GI framework.
In his keynote address, Dr. Kant shared his inspiring journey from his early days in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, to becoming a global voice for Intellectual Property Rights and artisan empowerment. Under his leadership, over 650 GI applications have been submitted across 26 states and union territories, with 635 products granted GI tags so far. In the Northeast alone, 36 products have received GI status, including five from Meghalaya, a major milestone for the region’s cultural and economic revival.
Highlighting the intersection of heritage, innovation, and sustainable livelihoods, Dr. Kant emphasised the power of Geographical Indications in empowering communities, especially women and youth, and preserving traditional knowledge in a rapidly globalizing world, which aligns with Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s “Mann ki Baat”. He encouraged NIFT Shillong to take opportunities available locally for the protection and promotion of the right heritage.
Dr. Kant’s work has impacted more than 2 million people, with initiatives spanning women’s economic empowerment, child education, skill development, and environmental sustainability. His efforts in linking local products to global markets through GI recognition have earned him numerous national and international accolades, including the National Intellectual Property Award 2017, Lokmat Samman 2018, and participation in high-level forums organized by WIPO, UNESCO, and the Government of India.
NIFT Shillong Director, Shankar Kumar Jha remarked, “Dr. Kant’s commitment to grassroots development and his passion for traditional crafts offer a powerful vision for our students. His presence today sets the tone for a meaningful and impactful Handloom Week.”
Handloom Week at NIFT Shillong will continue till August 13, featuring live demonstrations, exhibitions, panel discussions, and student-led initiatives to showcase, celebrate, and innovate with India’s handloom legacy.
