16th April 2014 –

15th May 2014

Inside this issue

Focal Point : “Women Empowerment”

Gujarat Updates : Investment Plans/ Initiatives

Events Calendar

Explore Gujarat : “Handicrafts in Gujarat”

Contact Us

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Fact File

• Around 8.16% of entrepreneurs in Gujarat are women

• Gujarat government’s decision to ensure that 33% of the state police force comprises of women is a unique step towards women empowerment

• To ensure the gender equity, state government has announced a state policy, Nari Gaura Niti – 2006

Women constitute half the humankind and veritably represent an enormous force in the global economy. Hence, it is a remarkably positive step forward that their crucial role in human development in today’s knowledge based society has been gaining acceptance. Numerous case studies indicate that their empowerment is highly correlated with the provision of basic services like health, education, vocational training, etc and most importantly with the change in the mindset of the people towards their role and capabilities. Recognizing this, the State Government has consistently implemented and updated its schemes to help empower women and nurture children especially those from the backward areas. In our constant endeavor to promote Women and Child Welfare, various schemes like Mission Mangalam, Nari Gaurav Niti, Mobile Angadwadi Vans, Kanya Kelavani Yojana, etc have been implemented and regularly monitored. Several Multipurpose Women Welfare Centers have been established at both District as well as Taluka level to provide guidance and assistance to women in their social, economic, educational as well as legal problems. The State government has also launched programs such as Mamta Abhiyan, Micronutrient Programme, etc to guard against the malnutrition level among the mothers and children. Furthermore, our concerted efforts are directed towards the promotion of human rights and gender equality, reduction in poverty and decrease in vulnerability. The state has achieved path-breaking results in this area through increased financing, strengthened policy and improved service delivery, ensuring that all women and children get the prevention, treatment and care they need. It is a result of such multidimensional approach that Gujarat ,today, has lower IMR than the national average; marked improvement in child sex ratio over the last decade both in rural and urban areas; improvement in female literacy rate during the same time; and many other achievements. I am glad to be a part of this newsletter which showcases the schemes and their achievements in the state along Women & Child Development. Women and child welfare is pivotal in our growth model and our effort will only multiply to give them the thrust they need to further prosper and lead a healthy life: physically, economically and socially.

From The Desk

Smt. Anju Sharma, IAS Secretary,

Women & Child Development Department Government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar

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Focal Point

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Women Empowerment in Gujarat The Government of Gujarat has made continuous efforts to ensure holistic development of all sections of the society. In the field of women welfare, the aim has not only been focused on welfare but also on the overall development and empowerment of women which in turn has led the state to launch a number of initiatives and schemes to promote sound development of women in the state, across economic sections.

The Women and Child Development Department (WCD), Government of Gujarat, with the ICDS and IWDS (Integrated Child Development Service and Integrated Women’s Development Service) apart from running various schemes for the growth of women has also played the role of a key agency that coordinates with all other departments and keeps a tab on how the goal of women empowerment is being achieved holistically. These programs have also benefitted millions of children (0-6 years), pregnant and lactating mothers through a network of Anganwadi centers across the state.

Issues like Family welfare, Education, Health, Nutrition and Health Education, Justice and equality etc. are the focus areas of the department vis-a-vis the welfare of women and children. The department also governs economic and social empowerment of women with initiatives for protection to women from

domestic violence, Rights of Property by female family members, Dowry Prohibition; and Protection from sexual harassment.

The following are the important functionaries

operated by the WCD:

Commissionerate of Women and Child

Development

Directorate of Social Defense

Gujarat Women Economic Development

Corporation Ltd (GWEDCL)

Gujarat State Commission for Women

Gender Resource Center

Central Social Welfare Board

Multi Purpose Women Welfare Centers

(MPWWCs) have been established by

Commissionerate WCD in Gujarat at both district

and taluka level to provide proper guidance and

assistance to women to solve their social,

economical, educational as well as legal

problems. Over 4.70 lakhs women have

benefitted so far from this scheme. Mahila

Puraskar has also been introduced by WCD to

felicitate an individual or an organization for its

contribution in the field of women welfare,

women empowerment and their sustained

development.

The WCD is also responsible for proper

Focal Point

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Implementation of the Domestic Violence Act,

2005. The Department has appointed 44

Protection Officers (POs in charge), 247 Service

Providers, 20 Shelter Homes and has notified 59

Medical facility providing centers under the Act.

The Department has also successfully organized

various capacity building programmes with the

Gender Resource Centre, for all concerned

implementing agencies.

Swadhar Home Scheme is being implemented jointly by the Government of Gujarat and the central government; its objective is to provide shelter to homeless women/ women in need of a shelter due to unforeseen circumstances. Apart from shelter homes it provides other items of daily use they might need during their stay. It is one of the major schemes being implemented successfully by the Women and Child Development Department in Gujarat. Swayamsidh Yojna, is an integrated project for the development and empowerment of women. The long term objective of the scheme is to achieve all round empowerment of women: socio-economic-cultural, so as to help rural women be self reliant, gain confidence and learn the benefits of savings. This project is planned to benefits 20 regions at 26 spots covering 1760 villages which include 43,200 women and 2700 initiating helpers. The Gujarat State Commission for Women Act 2002, led to major initiatives being launched in the state with the objectives of encouraging women rights along with their social, economic and educational development. A women helpline is being operated under this act for resolving legal issues of women which tries to address the most critical issue of violence against women. Till now about 4451 women have received guidance on their relevant

problems from the commission, through this

helpline.

Gujarat Women’s Economic Development

Corporation (GWEDC) was established in 1981

to provide financial support, training and

marketing support to women artisans both from

urban and rural areas of the state. The

corporation also provides skill development

trainings in order to make women self reliant so

that they can contribute to the well being of

their families. After successful completion of

such trainings, these women can be supported

by banks for provision of loans to enable them

run their small enterprise.

Programs under the GWEDC include Ghar Divda

Scheme , Exhibition cum sale for artisan

women, Women Empowerment Center,

Economic rehabilitation of women in difficult

circumstances; and other general training

programs.

GWEDC

Focal Point

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The Gender Resource Centre (GRC) was established by the WCD in 2003 with the mission of ensuring that the relevance of Gender Equity and Equality is accepted in the overall development process of the state. Major activities of the GRC include Research and Advocacy, Capacity Building, Organizing Workshops, Networking with the civil society; and maintaining Gender Data Banks. The Nari Gaurav Niti – The state policy for Gender Equity announced by the Government of Gujarat in 2006, is the policy guiding major women development initiatives in the State.

aimed to encourage the BPL families to improve access to Institutional delivery. Financial assistance is provided for protection to the BPL families, covering their out-of-pocket costs incurred on travel to reach the healthcare facility centre at the time of delivery. Mahila Vrudh Ashram: WCD has made special arrangements to ensure the welfare of uncared-for old women by opening old age homes. Balika Samruddhi Yojana: WCD has initiated the Balika Samruddhi Yojna to attempt to change the general negative community attitude towards the birth of a girl child; to improve enrolment and retention of girl children in schools; to increase the marriageable age of girls and to assist girls in their socio-economic-educational upliftment. Krishi Talim: Under this program, training in the field of Agriculture is imparted to Women Farmers and Farmers’ wives for enabling the use of latest technology by them in agricultural practices. Women participating in these courses are paid stipend and transportation fares for the training course.

Gujarat also pays a lot of attention to maintain its Anganwadi Centres. It has taken initiatives to construct proper infrastructure for its centres with proper sanitation, toilet, fan, electricity facility and their maintenance. To further equip AWCs, Gujarat state has provided a gas connection, a stove and a cooker at every AWC.

Other initiatives and programs for women empowerment promoted by the Government of Gujarat through the WCD include:

Nari Adaalat: Courts which employ women jurists to provide justice in women’s cases of divorce, violence, rape, abandonment, and rape demands. Chiranjeevi Yojana: The Chiranjeevi Yojana implemented by the Government of Gujarat is

Players from Gulf nations plan to invest in Indian solar sector April 17, 2014

Solar manufacturing sector in India is all set to get a boost as players from Gulf countries are contemplating to invest in the country both in terms of finance and technology. They plan to form joint ventures with Indian manufacturers based on their engineering capabilities.

The seeds of this collaboration were sown during a meeting of members of National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) and officials of Solar Alliance of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) & Saudi Arabia Solar Association. The collaboration assumes significance in view of India gaining experience in Solar energy in recent years and oil rich GCC countries increasingly focusing on solar energy and regional co-operation against global warming and climate change in general and solar energy in particular.

Mr. Pranav Mehta, NSEFI chairman, said that the collaboration is aimed for mutual benefit. Gulf players will benefit from affordable engineering and designing capabilities of Indian counterparts, while later would benefit from the induction of better technology and investment.

Gujarat Updates : Investment Plans/ Initiatives

Mr. Mehta added that a dozen manufacturers from Gulf countries have shown interest in setting up joint ventures with Indian companies. He also informed that delegation from Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia and UAE are likely to visit India later this year. He further mentioned that they are mainly in the field of polysilical ingot and wafer manufacturing which are key for making cells and modules for solar panels.

During the meeting with GCC and Saudi Arabia Solar Associations Mr. Mehta had discussed various areas of synergy between the two associations.

Mr. Mehta further discussed that collaboration in Solar manufacturing between GCC Companies and Indian manufacturing companies should be promoted as joint venture involving technology, finance and entrepreneurship creating win-win situation for the GCC countries and India. It was also decided to collaborate in the areas of trained and skilled man-power as well as training and education in the area of solar energy.

In India, the central government is betting big on solar energy with the launch of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), under which states have been encouraged to promote solar energy in the states. Number of solar parks and solar power stations are coming up in states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh.

Gujarat tops the list of solar power generating states in the country with total commissioned capacity of 860.4 MW. Gujarat is followed by Rajasthan at 666.75 MW till January 31, 2014. The total commission capacity in India stands at 2,208.36 MW, of which Gujarat constitutes 39 per cent.

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Gujarat Updates : Investment Plans/ Initiatives

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is setting up 4,000 MW solar power park in Rajasthan where six central public sector undertakings are partners. SECI will be the technology partner. Similarly, a 1,000 MW solar park was being developed in Andhra Pradesh by SECI, which is also planning 5,000 MW solar park in the Kharaghoda region of Gujarat, details of which is likely to be finalised soon.

Gujarat attracts investment of over INR 1,000 crore in the nutraceuticals space April 18, 2014

With international companies like Abbott and DSM setting up base in Gujarat, the state sure seems to be warming up to the nutraceuticals space. It has attracted investments of over INR 1,000 crore in the niche pharmaceutical segment in the last two years.

Apart from leading global players in the human nutrition space like Abbott India (subsidiary of the Illinois-headquartered pharma giant Abbott Laboratories) and Dutch life sciences company Royal DSM building manufacturing plants in Gujarat, a host of domestic players too have expressed interest in setting up nutraceutical manufacturing facilities in the state.

The commissioner of the Gujarat Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA), Dr. H G Koshia, said that Abbott alone is investing close to INR 400 crore on the Jhagadia facility that will go on-stream later this year. Abbott has been allotted around 45-50 acres of land in Jhagadia where it is setting up a facility to make the 'Ensure' range of nutritional drinks for elderly people and also pediatric nutritional drink called 'PediaSure'. Dutch life sciences firm Royal DSM recently

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inaugurated a USD 10 million (INR 60 crore) plant at Vadodara that will be a one-stop source for food, beverage and pharmaceutical manufacturers. The net land allotted to the company is around 10,000 square meters, and DSM has plans for future expansion at the site.

On top of this, there are companies like Anil Bioplus that have announced investments of around INR 150 crore at Halol near Vadodara to make calcium and sodium gluconates. This would mark the company's entry into the nutraceutical space.

Gujarat Research Allopathic Foundation (GRAF) Laboratories Ltd is also in the process of setting up a nutraceutical facility near Ahmedabad with an investment of about INR 150 crore. West Coast Pharmaceuticals, a Gujarat based multinational pharmaceutical company, has launched around 45-50 nutraceutical products in the last six to eight months.

As the new Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) 2013 has hit the revenues of pharma players hard, even small and medium sized companies are now trying to de-risk their business by diversifying into the nutraceutical space. Chirag

Gujarat Updates : Investment Plans/ Initiatives

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Doshi, chairman of the Gujarat State Board of the Indian Drug Manufacturers Association informed that at least 25-30 small and medium companies have started making nutraceutical products in Gujarat by making small investments in product development and manufacturing.

Gujarat Gas to merge with GDNL, becomes Asia’s largest distributor April 23, 2014

Gujarat Gas, owned by state-owned GSPC, has announced the merger plan with Gujarat Gas and four arms of the company. Followed by the announcement, Gujarat Gas will soon be known as GSPC Distribution Networks Ltd (GDNL).

With the new entity, it has become Asia’s largest gas distributor company. Post-amalgamation, the merged entity will have a combined volume of around 8 MMSCMD, with presence in over 16 districts of Gujarat.

Following a board meeting, the company announced that the board of directors has considered and approved of the amalgamation of Gujarat Gas Company, Gujarat Gas Financial Services (GFSL), Gujarat Gas Trading Company (GTCL), GSPC Gas Company and GSPC Distribution Networks (GDNL).

The board approved of the amalgamation through Gujarat high court approved composite scheme of amalgamation and arrangement. As per the announcement, all assets and liabilities of Gujarat Gas, GFSL, GTCL and GSPC Gas would be transferred to GDNL.

Suzuki Motor Company to invest an additional INR 3,000 crore into the Gujarat plant

April 28, 2014

Suzuki Motor Corporation will invest an additional INR 3,000 crore into its upcoming manufacturing facility in Gujarat.

Mr. R C Bhargava, Maruti Suzuki’s chairman, said that that the original equity of INR 3,000 crore will remain unchanged but now the new funding will be through equity plus depreciation.

The proposed plant will be constructed and owned by Suzuki Motor Company and will contract manufacture cars for Maruti Suzuki India. Initially, it was proposed that these cars be sold to Maruti Suzuki after a markup. But due to Maruti Suzuki’s minor investors’ objection, markup component has been dropped.

Gujarat Updates : Investment Plans/ Initiatives

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Maruti Suzuki will roll out 3 models this fiscal year, including to be the Ciaz sedan and a facelift each for the Swift and the Swift Dzire. This will use its cash reserves of INR 8,000 crore towards new product development.

Unitus to explore investment in Gujarat start-ups May 6, 2014

In a bid to tap the growing start-up scenario in Gujarat, US-based Unitus Seed Fund, operating from Bangalore visited the state and explored for around 30 start-ups in various sectors including healthcare, education, clean energy and agriculture. The fund will be investing around INR 50 lakh to INR 1.5 crore in each start-up that it zeroes in on for a period of 5-8 years. At an invitation from The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Ahmedabad chapter, Unitus Seed Fund will be exploring opportunities among start-ups working for the base of economic pyramid (BoP) in and around Ahmedabad. According to Neha Sheth, president of TiE Ahmedabad, the visit was arranged for TiE community who are raising seed funding. With a corpus of INR 7 crore, Unitus Seed Fund intends to make seed-stage venture investments in ‘BoP startups’. Unitus Seed Fund specializes in investing in startup businesses which are primarily focused on serving very large, underserved low-income populations in India. These startups deliver quality, affordable products and services and/or create new or improved livelihoods opportunities. Will Poole, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Unitus Seed Fund, said that they accelerate the growth of the early-stage businesses by

providing funding, support connections and support in raising growth capital. He further added that since they are a profit fund, they require the investee companies to be valuable and scalable.

Since January 2014 the fund has made around 10 investments in start-ups such as Caravan Craft, Commerzpoint, Gocoop, Istar, Milaap, Smile Merchants and Welcare, among others.

Among its criteria for seed equity investments in capable entrepreneurs and start-ups include experienced management team, potential for serving up to 100,000 low-income families within 5 years, business developed beyond the concept stage, clearly differentiated value proposition and strategies to build effective distribution and marketing programs.

Meanwhile, once invested in start-ups in and around Ahmedabad, Unitus Seed Fund will prepare early-stage businesses for accelerated growth by providing strategic capital, support, and connections to help entrepreneurs validate and refine their business model, product-market fit, operational strategies, governance, and plans for scaling up.

Gujarat Updates : Investment Plans/ Initiatives

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Ahmedabad becomes incubation hotspot May 7, 2014

Many budding entrepreneurs from across India and even foreign countries prefer being incubated at various Centres in Ahmedabad, which has become a hub for hatching ideas.

Akash Sharma, an aspiring entrepreneur from Mumbai has submitted a proposal for incubation at a leading centre in Ahmedabad. He said that although having the option to be incubated in his hometown Mumbai, he chose Ahmedabad because Ahmedabad is where all incubation-related activity is taking place. Business incubation Centres in Ahmedabad are seeing a spurt in ideas and have also attracted global funds and technology to promote innovative startups.

Out of 12 proposals by incubatees at iCREATE, only three startups are from Gujarat. Similarly, out of 75 incubatees in the current batch at the Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE), 17 incubates are from tech city Bangalore, 15 are from Ahmedabad and 12 are from Mumbai and NCR each. The rest are a mix of different cities.

Kunal Upadhyay, CEO, CIIE said that a lot of CIIE programs are focused on entrepreneurs from across the country. Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad and NCR top the list in terms of applicants to CIIE - collectively touching over 60% of applications received.

Experts say there are at least 5,000 startups in Ahmedabad. Jatin Chaudhary, co-founder and CEO, Point10 Ventures, which promotes entrepreneurial culture among the young, explained that the reason budding

entrepreneurs are attracted towards the city is because the image of Gujarat is of the land of entrepreneurs. He further added that startups expect financial support and investment from successful entrepreneurs in Gujarat. Also, Ahmedabad now has startups from new, diverse technology based startups from all sectors like internet and mobile, social enterprises, education.

Dr. Madhu Mehta, chief mentor, iCREATE, informed that Ahmedabad had an early start with NirmaLabs and CIIE as Department of Science and Technology approved incubators. Besides, there are a lot of leading educational institutes in Ahmedabad that provide infrastructure access.

UK’s Varakas Group to build resorts in Gujarat May 9, 2014

The London based Varakas Group, a £ 180 million (USD 304 million) company, owned by Mr. Himmz Modha, is planning to invest in the hospitality sector at various tourist spots in Gujarat. The London Stock Exchange listed company has announced its plans to create wildlife resorts at Sasan Gir, the lion sanctuary in Saurashtra region and one at Kevadia on the banks of Narmada river in South Gujarat.

Outlining the group’s development plans, Mr. Himmz Modha said that the other focus areas will be advisory services for asset reconstruction and insolvency cases wherein the Varakas Group has global expertise. He further added that they have identified several new and upcoming real estate projects in Bengaluru, Mumbai and Gujarat where the Varakas Group will invest. The focus will be on commercial realty projects and the Group will invest directly, as well as by acquiring real estate companies in these cities.

Gujarat Updates : Investment Plans/ Initiatives

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Gujarat and Canada work on improving bilateral trade May 13, 2014

With an aim to strengthen the business relationship between Gujarat and Canada; Rajkot Engineering Association, Rajkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Chamber of Commerce & Industry Kutch have joined hands with Manitoba Trade & Investment. They want to promote bilateral trade, investment, technology transfer, joint ventures and collaborations.

The collaboration is being facilitated by Ahmedabad-based Global Network. As part of the efforts to improve trade between Manitoba and Gujarat, roadshows were held in Rajkot and Kutch previous week. Global Network will now send a trade and investment delegation from Rajkot and Kutch to Canada in September 2014. Over 15 companies from Rajkot and 10 companies from Bhuj have already joined the delegation.

Mr. Jagat Shah, Founder of Global Network, said that for the Indo-Canadian community, the province of Manitoba has become a home for active and growing trade and investment. He further informed that two-way trade between Manitoba and India increased to USD 145 million in 2013, up from USD 45 million in 2004. He also mentioned that there are immense opportunities in Manitoba for joint ventures or business in various sectors.

The market opportunities for Manitoba companies in India include agriculture, agro-food processing, service industries, information & communications technology, energy sector, telecom sector, port and infrastructure, aviation, biotechnology, oil & gas, electrical power and the aerospace and defense sectors.

Bilateral trade between Canada and India currently stands at about USD 4.5 billion and the government of Canada is planning to double the trade with India by 2016. India's exports include apparel, precious stones and metals, organic chemicals, textiles, medical devices, iron and steel products. Imports from Canada include cereals, fertilisers, aircraft, paper and paperboard.

At the roadshow in Rajkot, government officials from Manitoba led by Bonnie de Moissac explained about business opportunities in Manitoba. Opportunities for business investment in Manitoba were also presented.

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Events Calendar

Government of Gujarat organized the 5th Conference on Construction Chemicals 2014, from 7-8 May, 2014 at Mumbai. The Theme of the Conference was "Indian Construction Chemicals Industry: Imperatives of Growth“.

The Indian Construction Chemicals industry is still nascent as compared to global markets; and hence this seminar was organized by FICCI to provide a platform to captains of the chemicals industry to brainstorm over the ways to further boost the growth of this sector, in an economical and sustainable manner. A report on Construction Chemicals, providing an overview of the construction chemicals markets, key trends, challenges and issues impacting the Indian construction chemicals industry, was also released on the occasion.

Major topics discussed over the course of the event were: Role of Polymers in Construction, New Developments and Innovation in Construction Chemicals, Paints and Coatings, Key challenges and Issues faced in Construction Chemicals Industry; and State of Construction chemicals industry - Challenges, Market Opportunities and Strategies.

Policy makers and regulators, manufacturers, academic institutions, financial institutions, builders, engineers and marketing professionals participated in the event.

UBM 3rd Annual Global Pharma Regulatory Summit

April 23-25, 2014

UBM India organized the 3rd Annual Global Pharma Regulatory Summit from 23-25 April, 2014 at Holiday Inn, Mumbai, India. This summit was aimed at discussing recent regulatory issues and challenges concerning pharmaceutical companies.

Global guidelines vis-à-vis the pharma sector and their proposed impact on the profitability of the sector were discussed and debated over the course of the 3 day seminar. Industry leaders such as Dr. Sumit Sen from USFDA, Dr. Anjana Agarwal, Senior Assessor of MHRA, Fran Zipp, President of Lachman Consultants; and Mr. Brijesh Patel from Ex-MHRA were amongst the notable attendees of the summit.

Major topics discussed at the summit included analytical methodologies on reducing and controlling metallic & elemental impurities refuse to receive guidelines, regulatory and procedural guidelines to support the implementation of variations guidelines.

5th National Conference on Construction Chemicals 2014 May 7-8, 2014

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in association with the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (C&PC), Government of India and iNDEXTb,

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Explore Gujarat

It involves an intricate process of tying knots on the fine white fabric, which is dipped in colours. It is produced on superfine cotton mulmul, muslin sometimes combined with gold checks and motifs worked in the jamdani technique. The bandhanis are also brocaded with fine thread zari work. The main colours used in Bandhani are natural.

Each pattern created has a unique name and is usually worn for specific occasions. Names are based on the patterns they most represent, such as 'Ambadal', 'Chandrakukdi', 'Kalger', 'Shikari' and many more. Bandhanis of Jamnagar, Mandvi and Bhuj are famous all over the world.

Aari Embroidery:

Handicrafts in Gujarat

Gujarat is blessed with a rich and vibrant tradition of Handicrafts, and an affluent legacy of unique craftsmanship. It provides a diversity of arts and crafts along with immense aesthetic appeal. Gujarat is home to a varied range of ethnic communities, most maintaining traditional dresses and crafts. These crafts are an essential part of the way of life of the people inhabiting the many villages, towns, and even cities of Gujarat. Gujarati handicrafts have also been given a boost by the government and some private individuals. These crafts have now earned fame in the international market. Major handicrafts and artwork of Gujarat are covered in this edition of Explore Gujarat.

Tie and Die - Bandhani:

Bandhej, as it is known in Gujarat; Bandhani as it is known in the other regions of India, is a form of textile craft flourishing in Gujarat and Rajasthan. In Gujarat, the Khatri community of Kutch is famous for this craft since generations. Bandhej or tie and die, is also practiced in Jamnagar and Surendranagar districts of the state, with each region having its special technique of crafting the cloth.

Needlework of Gujarat is famous the world over for its elegance and accuracy. Embroidery is Gujarat's quintessential handicraft and many of the artisans are wives of herdsmen, nomads and agriculturists. Aari Embroidery is an old tradition practiced mostly in the Ahmedabad district of Gujarat by various organizations such as the Mahila Vividh Laxi Odhyogik Sahakari Mandli Ltd that employs nearly 100 craftsmen working from their households. It is an example of outstanding craftsmanship radiating beauty for the beholder and artistic flair of the creator. The expressive flamboyancy of the technique adds in

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Explore Gujarat

guarded family tradition. It can take six months to one year to make one sari.

There are four distinct patterns which are woven primarily in Gujarat by the Salvi community. In Jain and Hindu cultures, double ikat saris with entire designs of parrots, flowers, elephants, and dancing figures are generally used. In Muslim communities, saris with geometric designs and flower patterns are typical, being worn mostly for weddings and other special occasions. Maharashtrian Brahmins wear saris woven with plain, dark colored borders and body, and a bird design called Nari Kunj.

Zari Embroidery:

flavor of painterly attributes making the medium significantly favored and admired by all.

Mostly, the fabrics used for this form of embroidery works include silk or locally made satin called Gajji. Decorated with subtle designs of various sizes and shapes, Aari made saris, suits, dupattas and other attires find themselves at the centre of attention for women across the globe. Aari work in Gujarat is practiced predominantly in Bhuj (Kutch district). Aari Community has been involved in this craft traditionally, though today it is being practiced by many others for commercial purposes.

Patola:

The Patola of Patan is a unique fabric of Gujarat. This special variety of women's wear is strikingly attractive with its colourful geometrical patterns. This lovely silken fabric, which resembles a printed saree is produced by tie and weave method. The process consists of dyeing the warp and the weft threads in conformity with the proposed design on the fabric. Hand-woven and silk yarn is used for weaving. The Patola silk sarees are extremely fine and quite expensive and made by very small master craftsmen at Patan. Patola-weaving is a closely

The Zari or gold thread embroidery work of Surat is one of the oldest handicrafts whose origin can be traced back to the Mughal period. Surat is one of the biggest and important zari manufacturing centers in India. The Zari weaving in Surat makes use of a wide range of trimmings, fringes and motifs, mostly to produce exquisite fabric designs.

Apart from fabric designs, zaris from Surat are also used to adorn materials made even of woods and glasses. The principal types of

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Explore Gujarat

products are real gold and silver threads, imitation gold and silver threads. In 2010, the Geographical Indication (GI) status has been bestowed upon the zari making craft of Surat, providing this craft a unique identity and quality based upon its geographical location. Apart from Surat, zari embroidery activities are also carried out in Dholka in Ahmedabad district too.

Rogan Painting:

Rogan printing is an art of cloth printing practiced in the Kutch District of Gujarat. Rogan painting or Rogan art is a rare craft with centuries-old tradition – the word ‘Rogan’ literally means oil based painting in Persian language.

Rogan printing involves using a thick bright paste to paint on plain cloth. The painting on the cloth is done using a stick, a rod or a metal block. Yellow, blue and red are the most frequently used colours. Geometric and floral designs are most common. Stylish results can be achieved using the most ordinary cloth. Rogan is a seasonal art practiced during wedding occasions to adorn the bridal trousseau such as ghaghara, odhana, chabla, dharajo and other items like bed sheets, saris, wall-hangings, curtains, pillow cases and quilt. Rogan painting on attires give the impression of the cloth being embroidered.

Needlework:

Needlework of Gujarat is famous world over for its elegance and accuracy. Embroidery is Gujarat's quintessential handicraft and many of the artisans are wives of herdsmen, nomads and agriculturists battling for a second income. Banni, a small village in the Rann of Kutch is known for its artistic embroidery work.

Ari bharat, appliqué work are unique with its traditional skills. Toran is the most common embroidered doorway decoration with hanging flaps, which is supposed to ventilate good luck. Pachhitpatis (embroidered frieze) are hanged from the corners as a welcome symbol to the visitors. Chaklas (embroidered square pieces) are used as furniture covers while Bhitiya is the impressive wall hanging.

Abhala Bharat (mirror inset embroidery), finest type of embroidery work has now become a part of the ethnic chic fashion world, where small mirror discs are fixed with closely worked silken thread. Usually the mirror work is done on a dark background with motifs like flowers, creepers, petals, etc. The motifs are inspired by daily life; ancient belief and rituals but they vary from place to place and are passed down over the centuries.

Industrial Extension Bureau Block No 18 2nd Floor, Udyog Bhavan, Sector 11, Gandhinagar -382010 Gujarat, India Phone: +91 79 232 50492 +91 79 232 50493 +91 79 232 56592 Fax +91 79 232 50490 Mail us on indextb@indextb.com Find us on the Web: www.indextb.com www.vibrantgujarat.com

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