RUPA NAIK

NOVEL MISSION TO EMPOWER WOMEN ENTREPRENUERS AND PROVIDE A PLATFORM FOR WEAVERS, ARTISANS TO CONNECT WITH GLOBAL PLAYERS AND PROMOTE INDIAN HANDLOOM INDUSTRY

Rupa Naik is a Senior Director MVIRDC, World Trade Centre, Mumbai. She has over 30 years of extensive k n o w l e d g e a n d experience in Trade Promotional activities. She has served with various Trade bodies in her career starting f r o m ‘ A l l I n d i a M a n u f a c t u r e r s Organization’ as the Director, ‘All India A s s o c i a t i o n o f Industries as the Executive Director. Her present position as Senior Director at World Trade Center – Mumbai also includes Bhumbaneswar, Jaipur and Goa which is promoted by M. Visveswaraya Industrial Research and Development Center (M.V.I R.D.C)

She has travelled across the world on various professional assignments and has attended key business networking conferences that include ILO, WTO and UNCTAD. Her expertise in organizing International Conferences, Exhibitions and Trade Missions is a class apart with an eye for details that include conceptualizing, budgeting, marketing and identifying target audiences for innovative programs aligned to business challenges. Rupa’s extensive network has encouraged the participation of speakers from World Bank , World Trade Organization, UNCTAD and OECD to name a few, Global Economic Summit, World Trade Expo, Innovative Technology for Manufacturing, GRULAC, WTCA’s 44th General Assembly, INDIALLIA ,The International Business Development Forum, At the Incredible Destination, India and World Trade Week and others. She has been responsible for the active participation of the Government to support MSME’s and also ensured to build a platform for Women Entrepreneurs in India by associating WTC Mumbai as a verier for SheTrades, an initiative of UNCTAD, all of which has had a direct impact on trade and investment. Rupa's strong leadership qualities have progressively driven World Trade Center towards achieving excellence in creating a brand value for these trade services. Her persistence towards strengthening the competitiveness of Indian Industry and facilitating activities for her members and stake holders to improve business opportunities are integral to the culture and ethos of World Trade Center. She has been encouraging women weavers and artisans with their creative talent and has been always helpful with her acts of kindness and compassion. Invariably ,she purchases sarees woven by women weavers and those who participate at any Exhibition. Next day ,she would visit the same stall wearing the same saree , which indirectly is a great satisfaction and a reward to the weavers.

RUPA NAIK IS WEARING THIS HANDLOOM SAREE FROM WEST BENGAL

Rupa endeavors to develop a robust platform for linking MSMEs with the potential partners within the WTC network and beyond through the connections that she has developed over the years to help member WTCs.

Through the Handloom Festival she plans to provide a platform for weavers, Artisans and women entrepreneurs to connect with global players and design houses.

WTC, WINNIPEG AND TRIESTE OFFER FAVOURABLE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIA

Rupa Naik was concerned with the plight of women The exhibitors could upload videos, pictures / designs / weavers and artisans during this pandemic, she got in products and a good write-up on their products . The touch with her colleagues in World Trade Centres in weavers could include their prole with photographs, Winnipeg and Trieste and shared her ideas to create a certicates, testimonials and any other material which has platform for weavers and artisans through World Trade publicity value She has ensured a highly subsidized Centre. Ms. Mariette Mulaire, President and CEO, World participation fee to make it affordable to the participants TradeCenter Winnipeg and Board Member, World Trade considering the pandemic which has caused several Centers Association, New York,who immediately agreed challenges world over. to join in to support this novel mission. Ms. Andrea Garwood, Vice President and Board Member, World Trade Center Trieste and Board Member, World Trade Centers Association, New York followed to support this mission and together they wanted to do all that was possible to improve the lives of weavers and artisans in India and how trade and commerce could begin online The Expo is scheduled for a month initially, depending on the response; WTC, Mumbai may extend the period to involve as many weavers, artisans, craftsmen, buyers and designers to make it truly meaningful and benecial to all stakeholders. The handloom Industry needs a boost from the North East states. and help the entrepreneurs Rupa is condent that the combined efforts will surely Rupa decided to use the platform of World Trade Center, Mumbai in organizing this Virtual Trade Dialogue Series on ‘Strengthening Trade Connections through Partnerships with Winnipeg, Canada and Trieste, Italy’ on Friday 25th September 2020 . These three brilliant result in enhancing sales, exports, exchange programs as well as motivating and empowering the weavers, artisans and craftsmen. The Expo will lay special emphasis on women weavers, artisans and entrepreneurs who are in this business which will add to their visibility on the portal. women came together with all their knowledge and Speaking of business opportunities in Manitoba, Ms. expertise and wisdom, they were the Distinguished Mariette Mulaire, President and CEO, World Trade Center Speakers at the webinar and described about their city , Winnipeg and Board Member, World Trade Centers its historical background that could open up the Tourism Association, New York said that Manitoba‘s abundance of sector and to be operational once life returns back to land makes it lucrative for agriculture. It is also a source of new normal and international ights could resume clean energy and offers world-class research and operations. They also emphasized on ease of doing innovation. It is home to advanced manufacturing and has business with a view to enhance trade and investment the largest tri-modal inland port in North America. With ties with Winnipeg, Trieste and World Trade center, over 60 free trade and investment agreements, Manitoba Mumbai. World Trade Centers through this webinar offers easy access to markets in North America and beyond. created an effective platform to strengthen networks and create opportunities for business enterprises in an ever Highlighting the promise that Trieste holds for changing world economy and how best to navigate international business, Ms. Andrea Garwood, Vice through the COVID-19 pandemic. President and Board Member, World Trade Center Trieste To maintain a continuity, Rupa Naik announced a ‘Virtual World Trade Expo’ for MSMEs and being organized by MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai. She plans to open with a ‘Handloom Festival’ from 17th October to 15th November 2020. and Board Member, World Trade Centers Association, New York said that Trieste is located in the middle of a multinational area and is at the centre of global sea transport dynamics. It stands out for its high quality of life and environment with a high level of education, high income per head, employment, security, services and She has prepared the Virtual World Trade Expo which is open to all artisans, weavers and craftsmen from India and overseas to showcase and sell their products domestically infrastructures. Many insurance rms were founded in Trieste, some of which have become leading companies in Europe today. or internationally. Ms. Rupa Naik, Senior Director, World Trade Center World Trade Centre ,Mumbai has invited weavers from across India to participate in this meaningful and global presentation of the Indian authentic weaves of sarees, shawls, bags, stoles, furnishings and many other accessories made from khadi, silk, jute , handlooms, linen and all natural bers. This will project and promote the sustainable fabrics of India which spins mystery and magic through its different weaving techniques , processes and motifs making each piece as truly unique and original. Mumbai highlighted the export potential of Maharashtra, suggesting that Maharashtra has 570 software technology and food parks, and has export promotion hubs in automotive and auto components, gems and jewellery, IT/ITe S, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and textiles sectors . Processed diamonds account for 31 per cent of Maharashtra’s exports. Potential exports from Maharashtra include Solapur blankets, Warli Painting, Kolhapuri footwear, Solapur Terry Towel, Nashik Valley Wine, Nashik Grapes, Mahabaleshwar Strawberry, Nagpur This Virtual World Trade Expo aims to showcase the weavers and artisans and craftsmen through this portal to benet the participants. They will be exposed to the Global visibility through promotional programs . It is estimated that 330 WTCs across 90 countries ,who have been invited to experience and explore this platform. This platform will also invite experts and eminent fashion designers for virtual dialogue meetings on the emerging challenges to Orange, Onion, custard apple, raisins, turmeric, g, pomegranate, mangoes, chickoo, Ajara Ghansal Rice and Kokum (Garcinia indica). Ms. Naik further opined that given their innovative capabilities, Winnipeg and Trieste should partner with Maharashtra, and therefore with India, in Smart City Development. The programme was attended by representatives from various World Trade Centers, industry, MSMEs and academia. guide the weavers/artisans . It will facilitate to engage the This year the World Trade Centre ,Mumbai completes 50 Weavers /Artisans in discussions with buyers from India years in the service of trade and industry. To commemorate and overseas . This platform will also connect the weavers this occasion and to promote India's primary and /artisans to overseas weavers / skills / designers and traditional sector ,the World Trade Centre, Mumbai has encourage virtual exchange programs initiated the Virtual World Trade Expo.

INDIA CELEBRATES THE COMING OF MOTHER OF UNIVERSE –MOTHER DURGA ON THE EARTH DESPITE COVID-19

India will begin celebrating the coming of Mother of Universe – Mother Durga on the Earth with worship and devotion despite Covid-19,the festive season signals hope. Traditionally during this festival people engage in the purchase of new dresses ,jewelleries, decorative items and gifts for family, relatives many other things .Mother Durga rides on the lion and kills the dreaded demon, Mahisasur. This year the people in India pray for Mother Durga to kill the “Coronavirus demon” too. Accompanying the Mother Durga will be Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, Mother Lakshmi and Mother Swaraswati.

Lord Ganesha is worshipped globally to make an enterprise a success and for prosperity. Lord Karikeya is worshipped as a destroyer of evil. He symbolizes strength, relinquishment, non-attachment and love and unity in the family. Mother Lakshmi ,wife of Lord Vishnu ,lives in the house of pure, righteous, those observing austerity and simplicity ,engaging in the services of humanity and are conscious of Lord Vishnu. Mother Swaraswati is the expeller of ignorance, granter of wisdom, power, talent, intuition and the creative arts. They are remembered not only in calamities but also in happiness and prosperity. Due to nancial constraints ,people will still be purchasing merchandise as a matter of auspicious purchases. Due to Covid-19 ,marketing has shifted to e-commerce . Giant e-commerce companies like Walmart, Amazon, Flipkart ,Reliance and others have a major slice of marketing. Retailers have been affected greatly. This has social and economic impact. Ecommerce marketing has become convenient , safe and hygienic. Prime Minister Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman have taken several measures to revive the economy and save it from further steeper fall.

India readies itself for two biggest festivals this October- Durga Puja and Diwali. This year Diwali won’t be about bursting of crackers like in the past or hopping from one locality to another and meeting friends and families to exchange greetings. These festivals are celebrated as nation’s heritage, culture and traditions. Festivals in India has always played an important role to the social lives and connect with families and traditions. They allow a diversion from daily routines and gives an opportunity to mingle with the culture and society. Festivals in India are cultural in one way or the other. The cultural festivals include national, religious and seasonal. They serve the purpose of bringing togetherness of their lives and strengthen the sense of community. Festivals teach the principles and ethics to the next generation. All different religious festivals bring the same message of love, tolerance and understanding.

Festivals have a huge impact on the social and cultural environment of the country. It also has a huge impact on economy. These festivals benet several sectors and businesses. Sale of textiles, automobiles, consumer durables, electronic goods , jewellery, real estate and food. The tourism sector also sees growth since holidaying to different destination is common during Durga puja and Diwali. Artisans who mostly reside in rural areas also see signicant growth in their sales and with greater employment as a cascading effect. The youth in India are now promoting “ Make in India ” products, especially during festivals, which directly impact the unorganized sector. In India the Artisan Industry is the second largest after Agriculture Industry and employs women in large numbers. Their earnings go up during the festival season. In West Bengal alone there are about an estimated 28,000 community pujas. The expenses for pandals range from few hundred thousand to tens of millions where corporate funding for outdoor advertising account for about 90% of the funding. Due to the pandemic the organizers have decided to cut their budgets. It would be a delicate call for the administration to take a decision on the festivity of Durga Puja. It is planned to have a balance in the trade- off between economy and public health.

There are hundreds of idol- makers , craftsmen, small shopkeepers, transport operators and many others who earn major parts of their yearly income out of this festivity. The Durga Puja festivities this year is a big challenge amid the Covid-19 crisis and ensure all precautionary measures to contain the virus spread. The organizers have decided to celebrate the festivity in a smaller scale. The festival season this year has another big challenge in decelerating macro numbers. For sectors such as automobile, consumer durables, garments and tourism, -these two months, peaking with Diwali traditionally accounts for 25-35% of annual sales. The economic slowdown notwithstanding ,the mode of marketing would shift in favour of e-commerce I a bigger way as a large section of the buyers would want to avoid direct purchasing in malls and open market. According to RedSeer ,the number of online shoppers in India will nearly double to around 50 million during the festive season this year. Following the phase-wise unlocking and resumption of economic activities, the consumer sentiments have begun improving though the pandemic has continued to worsen. Research rm Mintel India in its ‘Global Covid-19 Tracker’ in August was 42% of Indian consumers are looking forward to meeting family and friends compared to earlier months .This desire accelerated because of the onset of the festive season. In India festive season begins with Navratri, which starts on 17 October and continues till the end of the year. It is estimated that two-fth of the apparels, consumer durables and electronic sales happen during this period. The e-commerce players such as Amazon and Flipkart hold massive sales that include new launches and deep discounts. Companies have adopted new models of video and WhatsApp based shopping which has become a part of main stream to serve the client better. Aggregate festive sales are expected to almost double this year to a huge $7 billion in gross merchandise value compared to $ 3.8 billion last year. E-commerce is expected to reach to $38 billion in sales in calendar 2020 from $27 billion in 2019. In this festive season , purchase of automobiles and house also happens during this time and continue to be at the far end of the consumers discretion spectrum. Both these sectors are awaiting the Government sops. It will depend largely on how effective the Government stimulus package is . The automobile industry is hoping that the August and September slowdown will end in October . All automobile and two wheeler companies are hopeful of pushing stocks with higher discounts and incentives during the festive season. The real estate sector may take an upturn if the Government comes up with new sops. The gold jewelers in India are with hopes on the upcoming festival season, with dealers offering discounts luring customers back. Given the economic uncertainty ,gold prices are ruling at an all time high. The demand has declined substantially during the post-coronavirus days. India’s gold imports have declined over 81% during the April-July period of 202021 due to signicant fall in demand in the wake of the pandemic . Throughout the world, festival seasons give a big boost to the economy .This is the only time in recent memory that the festival may not be able to boost growth. To paraphrase what Swami Vivekananda said in 1899 : The entire wealth of the world will not alleviate poverty of a village as people are lazy and lack unity and discipline. All Indians must take on this mission to be Karmayogis not just the civil servants but also the policymakers ,politicians and all to come together during this festive season for a better world.