INDIA: SMART receives 'The Best of APLF Fashion Access Award'
Society for Marketing of Artisan & Rural Things (SMART) participated in the Asia Pacific Leather Fair (APLF) at the stall no - 5K21/1N which was held at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wanchai from 31st March to 02nd April 2009.
"This award is a tremendous distinction for SMART, as it recognizes its many and continuing contributions to an area of sustainable development of artisans & rural things." - Mr. Rajeev Lakhara, IRS, Managing Director, FDDI.
There are various clusters in India making traditional footwear, leather goods and other rural products which are supported by SMART. SMART is an umbrella organization promoted with the active involvement of the Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI), to support these clusters at various forums for development of artisans with a focus on marketing of their products.
SMART received The Best of APLF Fashion Access, March 2009 award for the 'PRESERVATION OF ARTISANAL TRADITIONS'. The award was presented on 2nd April 2009.
Contented with this leaping achievement, Mr. Rajeev Lakhara, IRS, Managing Director, FDDI, said, "This award is a tremendous distinction for SMART, as it recognizes its many and continuing contributions to an area of sustainable development of artisans & rural things."
The Best of APLF Awards began in 2004 and have proved immensely popular with exhibitors and visitors alike. The Awards recognizes design excellence, originality, innovation, use of materials and accessories and outstanding workmanship of products exhibited at the Fair.
Mr. Lakhara further said that "To ensure better and higher returns to the artisans and enhancing their designs as per the changing trends and fashion, SMART is promoting the artisan clusters (both urban and rural) as they are an integral part of rural Indian economy."
"During the fair, the products of the artisans, who don't have any means to reach a market place like this, were displayed. The designs were amalgamation of traditional and contemporary styles", added Mr. Lakhara.
The participants at the stall were Mrs. Monika Kohli Dy. Manager Marketing, SMART, Mr. Sanjeev Abrol, Consultant - HoD (Components), FDDI.
"We are honored to receive this award as only a few organizations qualify for this distinction, and we feel privileged to be among them." - Mr. Shashi Bhushan Shukla, IRS, Secretary, FDDI.
The objective of the participation was to strengthen & foster business association besides displaying the new samples developed by artisans associated with SMART.
According to Mr. Shashi Bhushan Shukla, IRS, Secretary FDDI, "We are honored to receive this award as only a few organizations qualify for this distinction, and we feel privileged to be among them."
Added: April 13, 2009 Source: Agencies