Gift a GI, gift a tradition – let’s make it a ghar ghar GI nation

By gifting a GI product, you are not only giving a unique and thoughtful present, but you are also supporting local artisans and preserving India's rich heritage. GI products are a tangible reminder of our country's diverse traditions and craftsmanship, and they will be cherished for generations to come

With X Mas and New Year-round the corner, corporates, families, and all are getting in the groove to gift items for their near and dear ones. If you are considering giving something unique for which you will be remembered for a long time, then you all must explore the option of gifting a Geographical Indication (GI) Product. Geographical Indications have really become a buzz word in the last few years. With all states competing to register new products in agricultural, manufacturing, handicrafts, and food stuff the numbers of GIs registered has really increased. A total of 1158 GI applications have been filed till date with 530 registered as per the GI registry, Chennai.

Geographical indications of goods are that aspect of industrial property which refers to the geographical indication referring to a country or to a place situated therein as being the country or place of origin of that product. Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to the fact of its origin in that defined geographical locality, region, or country.

Over the years with technology and rapid urbanization, the affection and appreciation for tradition, art and culture is fading and GI could be one such talisman which can revive this among Indians and Gen X.

The beauty of the GI products is that no two products are the same and all are unique and have special characteristics and hence they do not compete. You name an occasion and you will get a product to gift and to own. Be it silver filigree, Pochampally Ikat, Banaras Silk, Kancheepuram Silk Cheriyal Painting, Nirmal Painting, Kondapalli Toys, Assam Tea, Darjeeling Tea, Nagpur Orange, and the list goes on and on…. GI has this uncanny knack of connecting people, places and products for the good.

From handicrafts to handlooms to agricultural products to food stuff, you have it all from all over the country. Recently, the state of Uttarakhand made history by getting GI registration for 18 products in one day and taking the count to 27. The state of Telangana has 16 GIs and with Lac Bangles and Warangal Chilies soon to get registered the number will make it 18. Still, we have a long way to go in Telangana.

Corporates, families, friends should consider this unique IP to be gifted to their near and dear ones and set an example for others. By gifting a GI, you are gifting a tradition and by this way the legacy of our heritage continues to live for generations. Currently, Telangana is participating in Artigiano-In Fiera -A world handicraft fair in Milan along with nine other states to display our GI products from Telangana. Over 10 lakh visitors from 100 countries will visit the fair and get to know about our Indian GIs and tradition.

To conclude, technology will always advance, but we as the citizens of this country should make it a point to advance our tradition and promote handicrafts and GIs. A food for thought is that instead of gifting technology like smart watches, mobile, tablets, gadgets which becomes outdated fast, we could consider gifting a GI thereby gifting a tradition and help the art and artisans of the country to become self-reliant and thereby take pride in – “Ghar Ghar GI.”

(The writer is Head- Legal & IPR, Resolute Group of Companies)