DELHI/NCR – August 26, 2022 : The first editions of India GI Fair, Khilona-India Toys & Games Fair, Maa Shishu and STEM Confex being held concurrently from 26th to 28th August 2022 at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida were inaugurated today by Mr. Upendra Prasad Singh, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, in the august presence of Ms. Shubhra, Trade Advisor, Ministry of Textiles, Govt.of India; Dr. Rajani Kant (Padam Shree Samman), Executive Director, Human Welfare Organisation, Varanasi; Mr. Raj K Malhotra, Chairman, EPCH; Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH & Chairman IEML; Mr. Ajay Agarwal, President, The Toy Association of India; Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH; and Committee of Administration members from EPCH. A delegation from the Middle East was among special guests at the event and the fairs.
While addressing the gathering, Mr. Upendra Prasad Singh, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, appreciated the exhibitor mix and impactful display at all the fairs. He said, “Most people don’t know that there over 390 GI products in India, out of which, over 200 are handlooms & handicrafts.” Mr. Singh appreciated EPCH’s role in providing a platform to a large number of manufacturers who with their hard work, creativity and enterprise have been able to contribute to the markets in India and overseas. He further said, “Our honorable Prime Minister is the best ambassador of India’s handicrafts, handlooms and textiles. He has also shared his vision for extracting the potential in the toyssegment.” Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Shubhra, Trade Advisor, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India said, “When you buy Indian products, you are taking a part of India with you. We should aim at bringing out products of particular regions and take them to the entire world.”
Mr. Raj Kumar Malhotra, Chairman, EPCH, welcomed all to the concurrent fairs and said, “With pride as well as humility, I can share that it has been proved once again by the Council that with a determined vision, sheer hard work and dedication, new opportunities can be created and the benefits can grow manifold with time.” He added, “EPCH has various fairs & expositions and initiatives which provide a global platform to the industry to showcase their products and services to tell their exceptional story to the world.” Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH said, “The GI Fair is attributed to our Prime Minister’s vision of promoting our distinctive traditional products. Khilona – India Toys & games Fair too is a manifestation of his wish that the potential of this sector be explored. The other two are fairs are Maa Shishu and Stem Confex, which we have conceptualized over the last one year and it has finally seen the light of the day.” He added, “Such trade platforms are instrumental in increasing India’s role in the global supply with the necessary market.”
Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH informed that India GI Fair is India’s first trade event of its kind, showcasing the strength of Indian Geographically Indicated (GI) products, through an exhibitor strength of 300+ with 12 major categories segmented into materials & wares, foods & ingredients, nature & wellness, handicrafts & handloom, home & collectibles and fashion & accessories. Khilona-India Toys & Games Fair with 200+ exhibitors resonates with the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision of ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ in toys & games as well as India realizing its full potential in manufacturing for this segment, with an aim of becoming a global sourcing hub.Maa Shishu focuses on holistic parenting and STEM Confex focuses on development of children’s critical skills through pedagogy.
Parenting expert Arjun Seth presented a fascinating master class at Prodigy Super Kids on how to support young children in learning via play, unhindered by technology or devices, while they develop a wide range of new age abilities and skills. In addition, the interesting ‘Kaun Banega RoboGenius’ contest was organised for various age groups under the age of 19 in collaboration with the India STEM Foundation. The competition’s objective was to design and build a robot that can assist schoolchildren on a field with tasks. Preconception Care Module was covered at a session by the Indian Academy of Paediatrics.
Two Panel Discussions are scheduled during the fairs titled, ‘Reinventing the Future of Toys’ and ‘Geographical Indication (GI) -Ecosystem and Initiatives for Brand Promotion through Market Linkages’. Among panelists are leading industry professionals and consultants. The organizers also have felicitations as well as awards for Best Display at the show.
