Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad organized an Industry Roundtable Meet and Thought Leadership Seminar under the HSBC-supported project Handmade in India (HMI) at their institute campus on 11 March. An exhibition was also organized by weavers from Bhuj (Gujarat) and Erode (Tamil Nadu) clusters covered under the HMI project. 16 weavers and 3 guest weavers showcased their various handmade works including Bandhani, Batik Block Prints, Upcycled Products, Ajrakh, Natural Dye Products, Silk Sarees and Textile Products. The Industry Roundtable Meet and Thought Leadership Seminar was attended by government agencies, NGOs, design institutes, handicrafts industry, natural dye suppliers, weavers and artisans. The discussion focused on ‘Digital Transformation and Tech for Sustainable Craft: Engaging New Entrepreneurs’. The discussions were held on ‘Sustainability Learning Exchange: A Co-operative Initiative for Artisans and Specialists to Share Insights and Strategies’. The objectives of the discussion were to connect and expand new markets, create awareness on incorporating technology in business, connect with government schemes and provide up-to-date knowledge on entrepreneurship practices. Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII said, “In pursuit of a sustainable future, EDII is committed to bringing progress and development in the lives of artisans through its various initiatives under Project HMI. Nourishing and empowering the country’s artisans and weavers is a necessity as this is the only way through which we can preserve India’s rich cultural heritage.” Dr. Raman Gujral, Professor and Director- Department of Projects- Corporates said, “HSBC’s HMI project has focused on skilling and empowerment by ensuring sustainable livelihood options for artisans. Today, these trained artisans are financially independent and are better positioned to think creatively and implement successful business strategies for growth. I am happy with the success of this program. This showcase showcases the potential of our artisans and craftsmen.” Project Handmade in India is implemented by the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) and supported by HSBC. The project works to address the challenges faced by weavers and artisans in the Bhuj (Gujarat) and Erode (Tamil Nadu) regions. These challenges include lack of knowledge or limited access to modern tools and techniques, lack of access to natural/organic materials and marketing techniques. The project works to address these shortcomings through various integrated interventions, including skill development, market access and entrepreneurship support to improve the livelihoods of weavers and promote sustainable craft practices. Over a period of three years (2024-2027), the project will directly benefit 1,000 weavers and 2,000 indirect beneficiaries in these two areas. Lovejibhai Nagjibhai Parmar, a Padma Shri awardee in the field of arts, is a beneficiary of the project HMI. Tanglia art is a 700-year-old art. This art is made by hand using Kanti Bindus. This art is mainly associated with the Dangsia community of Surendranagar district. Lovejibhai Nagjibhai Parmar is a beneficiary of Project HMI and is associated with Tanglia art. He inherited this art from his father and currently his family is associated with this art. In 1986, the people of the Dangsia community presented a sample at the Weavers Service Center and from there they got the first order of shawls and then gradually this art was promoted so that the people of this community have been getting orders continuously. Tanglia art has also got the GI tag. Lovejibhai Nagjibhai Parmar has been associated with Tanglia art for the last 40 years. He himself makes products and has also trained more than 40 youth in this art so that the youth also remain associated with this art. His work done in this art has also been appreciated and in 1990 he was presented with the National Award for his contribution to the field of art. In 2019, he was awarded the Sant Kabir Award and in 2025, he will be awarded the Padma Shri title by the Government of India for his contribution to the field of art. To take this weaving art to the next generations, Lovejibhai Nagjibhai Parmar has created a shared facility center in which 12 weavers work with him and get employment. Talking about EDII, Lovejibhai Nagjibhai Parmar said, ” Through EDII, he has received training on natural dyeing, digital marketing and online payments. Also, by participating in EDII’s exhibitions, he has been helped to reach out to the customers so that the art can reach more people. Also, useful information related to keeping the art alive and selling has also been provided to us through EDII.” Lovejibhai Nagjibhai Parmar was honored by EDII. Lovejibhai Nagjibhai Parmar said that in the future, he wants to sell Tanglia art products online so that employment opportunities are created for the people of his community and Tanglia art remains alive.