Gujarat-A conference on “Leveraging GI for Economic Growth, Cultural Preservation, and Global Recognition” was held at Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar. Along with this, the GI Excellence Awards – Gujarat Chapter was also organized.
Jointly hosted by IPETHICON Educational Academy (IPTSE) and GNLU, the purpose of this program was to enhance Gujarat’s traditional production ecosystem, empower artisans, and raise awareness about the important role of Geographical Indications (GIs) in achieving global recognition for regional excellence. The program began with an address by Ms. Purvi Pandya (Director, IPTSE). A special welcome address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) S. Shantakumar (Director, GNLU), and a keynote address was given by Dr. Sunil Shukla (Director General, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India – EDII). Professor Dr. Unnat Pandit, Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (CGPDTM), Intellectual Property Office, joined online as the chief guest. Dr. Nidhi Buch (Associate Professor, GNLU) extended greetings to the attendees.
As a key highlight of the event, under the “GI Excellence Awards – Gujarat Chapter”, various traditional and GI-recognized producers and artisans of Gujarat were felicitated with certificates and honors. The objective of these awards was to encourage artisans, farmer organizations, and enterprising individuals who have contributed to bringing Gujarat’s uniqueness and heritage to international platforms.
In continuation, a panel discussion on “The Role of GI in Promoting Gujarat’s Unique Products” was held. The discussion covered success stories of GI-registered products from Gujarat, challenges in marketing and protecting GI products, the role of technology, and traceability. Prominent speakers included: Ms. Hetvi Trivedi (Consultant, WIPO, Geneva), Dr. D. K. Varu (Principal and Dean, College of Horticulture, Junagadh Agricultural University), Dr. C. M. Muralidharan (Former Director of Research & Dean PG Studies, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University), and Dr. Kapil Mohan Sharma (Assistant Research Scientist, Date Palm Research Station, Mundra).
Additionally, during the event, IPTSE and K&S Partners released a special Knowledge Report on Geographical Indications. Under the “GI Knowledge Series,” both panel discussions extensively focused on Gujarat’s GI-registered products, marketing challenges, technology, traceability, and policy-driven financial empowerment.
The entire event was successfully conducted with the support of GUJCOST, Department of Science & Technology, APEDA, EDII, SIDBI, and industry partner Ericsson, which elevated the stature of the program. Such initiatives are playing an important role in giving Gujarat’s GI ecosystem global visibility and injecting new energy into the craft, agriculture, and artisan-based industries of the state.
A second panel discussion was also held on the topic: “Leveraging GI for Global Markets through GI Policy, Protection & Financial Empowerment to MSME Artisans.” The discussion focused on the challenges in the current GI policies and their implementation, the role of government and legal support, and ensuring financial empowerment and fair benefits for farmers, artisans, and producers.
This session featured speakers like Mr. Matteo Gragnani (Legal Officer, Lisbon Registry, Department for Trademarks, Industrial Designs and Geographical Indications, Brands and Designs Sector, World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO), Prof. (Dr.) Prabuddha Ganguli (Chief Executive Officer, Vision-Intellectual Property Rights – Vision-IPR, Mumbai), Mr. Naresh Babuta (General Manager, Small Industries Development Bank of India – SIDBI, Ahmedabad), and Ms. Malyashree Sridharan (Associate Partner, LexOrbis), among others.
The program enabled meaningful knowledge exchange among esteemed dignitaries. The conference proved to be a crucial step toward strengthening India’s GI ecosystem and providing global recognition to Gujarat’s distinguished handicrafts and agricultural products. Such platforms are becoming essential for legally safeguarding India’s traditional heritage and ensuring it receives the respect it deserves — with Gujarat leading the way.
