Zealously Use And Promote Geographical Indications #OdishaGI #GIsofIndia

The previous post - YES To Geographical Indications; NO to Fake Products, and the present one- Zealously Use And Promote Geographical Indications, both stress on saying yes and using and promoting authentic GI products. (And avoiding the fake products.)

Know About GIs

How can we zealously use and promote Geographical Indications if we have no idea what they are or are clueless about their existence?

How can we acknowledge someone or something when we are not aware of their presence? 

First, we need to know about them, learn about their importance, and be in a position to understand how and why they are worthy to deserve our acknowledgement and praise.

We need to read and learn about them from reliable sources (as there is a lot of misinformation and fake news.)

Do you know how many GI products does your district or state have? What are they? 

Time to find out.

GIs of Odisha

YES To Geographical Indications; NO To Fake Products #OdishaGI #GIsofIndia

A Geographical Indication (GI) is an agricultural, natural or a manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory.

GI is an Intellectual Property Right (IPR) that is a community right.

An agricultural, natural or a manufactured cultural product is awarded this GI tag to protect manufacturers/producers, who produce these unique and genuine products. GI products have brand value in the domestic and international markets.

GI tag ensures-

ü  Legal protection 

ü  Brand-awareness

ü  Brand-recall

ü  Research & documentation

ü  Reputation for the region/state

ü  Premium pricing

ü  Additional business with extra demand

ü  Increase in sales and exports

ü  Economic prosperity of producers

We must say YES to GI products, but NO to fake products. 

As the GI products are so popular and much in demand, some traders copy thename of the GI and the  attractive designs. One can find many such fabrics and sarees masquerading as Banaras silk, Kalamkari, Chanderi, Sambalpuri Bandha, Khandua etc. in the market.

Sambalpuri Saree has got GI, but designs r copied by Rajasthan & Gujarat mill-owners.#protect #Odisha #weavers #IPR@otvnews has highlighted.
Quick action & heavy penalty agnst wrongdoers reqd. Confiscate illegal products.
Why duplicate sarees available in market? @smritiirani pic.twitter.com/7ijVPbX3T5

— anitaexplorer (@anitaexplorer) May 6, 2018

The distinctive patterns are copied and "printed" on cotton sarees. Then, such machine-made, fake sarees/fabrics/bedsheets that are not handwoven, are sold at low prices like Rs 350-600 (i.e. about 1/10th to 1/20th of the price), while the original handloom saree price starts from Rs 3500-Rs 7000 depending on the material, whether cotton or silk.

Here is an example- The lady in this photograph is wearing a printed cotton saree that has the copied Bomkai design. Bomkai Saree And Fabrics is a GI. But, those who do not know about this, will not understand.
The brand is "Bharat Vijaya". And this is not the only brand.
This writer has clicked scores of pictures of other GI designs too...
Why should they copy traditional designs of sarees that are GIs and legally protected?

Pipli Applique Work #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI #GIsofIndia

Have you seen such applique work wall-hangings before?

Pipli Applique Work Image courtesy

This is the Pipli Applique Work, a handicraft of Odisha, India.

Pipli Applique Work has earned the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag in 2008, and can be found all over the world.
However, many are not aware of its place of origin. 

Araku Valley Arabica Coffee #OdishaGI #GIsofIndia #KnowYourGI

We start with a quiz question.

Have you heard of Araku Valley?

It is a picturesque valley near Vishakhapatnam (Vizag) of Andhra Pradesh (AP). A simple Google search gives up many results about this place in "AP".

A special variety of coffee is grown in this valley.

Coffee Board of India had applied for the Geographical Indication (GI) tag of "Araku Valley Arabica Coffee." 

However, apart from Andhra Pradesh, parts of Odisha too were included in the same application. 

Registered Proprietors And Authorised Users of Geographical Indications (GIs) #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI

A Geographical Indication certificate/tag is used to identify goods having unique or special characteristics and originating from a definite geographical area.

In December 1999, Parliament passed the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act 1999. This Act seeks to provide for the registration and protection of Geographical Indications relating to goods in India. This Act is administered by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, who is the Registrar of Geographical Indications. The Geographical Indications Registry is located at Chennai.

About Geographical Indication (GI)

GI is an indication that:

·  Is used to identify agricultural, natural, or manufactured goods originating in a specific area,

·  Originates from a definite territory in India (or world),

·  Has a special quality or characteristics unique to the geographical indication.

Sambalpuri Bandha Saree - GI of Odisha, India

Some examples of Geographical Indications of India:

Darjeeling Tea, Basmati Rice, Sambalpuri Bandha Saree & Fabrics, Nagpur Orange, Odisha Rasagola etc.

Exciting Quiz On Geographical Indications #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI #GIsofIndia

April 26 is celebrated as World Intellectual Property (IP) Day.
Geographical Indication (GI) is a type of IP.
GIs are the "invaluable treasures of incredible India".
However, many are not aware of these unique local products.

We must encourage everyone to learn about the heritage and culture and associated products of our land. How can youngsters take pride in our rich possessions and skills, unless they know about the existence of these unique products? Intention for using the GI products and demand will arise after people learn about them and feel responsible to protect, promote and preserve these.

To create GI awareness and interest, here is a #GIQuiz. Please do share so that all can be aware.

Those with the maximum correct answers and participation get to win xenium (prizes)!

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Gopalpur Tussar #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI #GIsofIndia

Let us start with a quiz question: 

Answer- Gopalpur cluster of Jajpur district of Odisha is famous for Tussar fabrics. 

Tussar is a type of silk. 

There is another famous place by the same name Gopalpur- but, Gopalpur-on-Sea refers to a picturesque beach town located in the Ganjam district of Odisha. This place is near the 'silk city' of Odisha that is famous for the Berhampur Patta (Phoda Kumbha) Saree And Joda.

Sambalpuri Bandha Saree And Fabrics #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI #GIsofIndia

Odisha has a rich tradition and history of handicrafts and handlooms. As per historians, handloom weaving in Odisha dates to 600 BC. Human figures sculpted on the centuries old temples reflect stylistic draping of clothes.

The Odisha "tie and dye” fabrics and sarees are called "Bandha". 
They are also popularly known as "Ikat" in India. The meaning of Bandha and Ikat in Odia and Malay languages respectively is the same- to tie or wind. 

According to historians, Bandha is Odisha state’s heritage and historical maritime trade link with Indonesia.

The warp or weft or both are tied and then dyed as per the pre-planned designs. Then, these threads are used for weaving. The designs seem the same on both side of the fabrics. 

Odisha Rasagola - Sweet Treat Of Odisha #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI #GIsofIndia

Odisha Rasagola earned the Geographical Indication (GI) tag on July 29, 2019.

This news did not get the deserving attention by many national newspapers and some media channels.
Even now there is misleading and fake news regarding Rasgulla- Misinformation About Rasagola Still Continues.
Thus, many are not aware of this GI tag of Odisha.

How can the facts come to light when there is propaganda or when they are suppressed?

ODISHA NEVER "LOST" #Rasgulla #GITag.

W.Bengal applied for "Banglar Rasogolla"on 18Sep'15; GI on 14Nov'17.

Bengal's Rosogolla"origin"-1868-150yrs old.

Odisha hadn't applied.

Odisha applied for "Odisha Rasagola"on 23Feb'18; GI on 29Jul'19.#OdishaRasagola centuries-old #RathYatra pic.twitter.com/HZL1cJBrtU

— Dr. Anita Sabat (@anitaexplorer) August 5, 2019

The spelling of Odisha Rasagola has the spelling "Odisha" as the application was submitted in 2019.
However, "Orissa Ikat" and "Orissa Pattachitra" have the old spelling "Orissa" as they were registered before Orissa state's name change to Odisha.
You can read more here- Odisha Geographical Indications And Spellings

Quiz About Geographical Indications #GIQuiz #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI #GIsofIndia

How do we get to learn something some fact or information?

• When someone, say family-member, friend, relative, or teacher informs us
• When we read in books, magazines or newspapers- offline or online
• When we watch films or videos or news channels and media coverage

Am I missing some other sources of info? If yes, please do share in the comments section of this post.

When I see the misinformation and fake news doing the rounds, it gives me great pain.

Clearly, there is a reason or purpose why some people are spreading the wrong information. 

Either they themselves are not aware of facts, having got their knowledge from misleading and inaccurate sources, or they have ulterior motives to spread the wrong info.

Over the years, when many people indulge in such kind of activities, the "origin" story of a product gets rewritten or doctored. When a lie is repeated hundreds of times, it appears to be the truth. 

However, "truth is still the truth even if no one believes it".

The Geographical Indications (GIs) are unique and special products of a particular area. They have earned the GI certificate from the Ministry of Commerce of the respective governments of nations. However, many people of the respective states or countries are yet to learn about them! 

Take me for instance. 

Despite being a culture and heritage enthusiast, I did not know about Dhalapathar Parda and Fabrics, Habaspuri Saree and Fabrics, and Ganjam Kewda Flower and Ganjam Kewda Rooh before independently researching and working for the Geographical Indications of Odisha, taking a self-initiative. However, once I knew and am in the process of knowing, it has been my sincere endeavour to create awareness and dispel misinformation.

There is a huge knowledge and awareness gap.

Our school text-books do not have information about these GI goods. I feel such information should be included in the school books. Social Studies should mention these "invaluable treasures of incredible India". 

How many of our students are interested to learn something beyond what is taught in school textbooks? 

This is a humble request to the authors of text-books and to the teachers: please do include this information so that the next generation can be aware. 

Once we are aware, we can be proud of our rich heritage and culture.

Quizzes are a great way to test our knowledge. They are a fun and interesting way to learn.

How many of us love quizzing? 

Personally, I love quizzes. Rapid-fire rounds are a good exercise for the memory.

How sharp are you when it comes to quizzing? Can you recollect names of products and places when they come up in discussions?

When I first conducted a Quiz on Odisha in Twitter in 2014, I realized how little people know about Odisha. Now, six years have passed. Things may be slightly better in this tech age and new decade. Still, it is always amazing to discover what is available in our own city/district/state/country that we were not aware.

Though some may have had heard the names and know the category of the products, they still do not  know that the same products have earned the GI tags. Sadly, this includes the artisans, weavers and farmers too who are involved in making these products.

Please do join for the #GIQuiz and #KnowYourGI this World Intellectual Property Day.
Twitter- @oditatrust - http://twitter.com/oditatrust
Facebook- @oditatrust - http://www.facebook.com/OditaTrust
Instagram- @oditatrust - http://www.instagram.com/oditatrust/

See you on 26 April 2020 on the social media handles of Odita Trust.
Test your knowledge and learn more about #OdishaGI and #GIsofIndia.

Q For- Quizzing

Quiz about Geographical Indications
I am writing A-Z posts about the Geographical Indications (GIs) of Odisha #OdishaGI.
GI is a distinctive certificate used to identify a product as originating from a particular region or locality that has specific qualities, reputation or other unique characteristics. GI products are linked with the culture, traditions, history etc. of a geographical location. 
Only when info is shared, people can learn and be aware.
This is my sincere attempt to share information about the GI Tags of Odisha.
You can check out my other GI posts here.
My previous #AToZChallenge posts here.

Let us all use GI products - the "invaluable treasures of incredible India", and encourage our artisans, weavers, and farmers.

Are you aware of the Geographical Indications of India? 
Do you like Quizzing?

Please do share in the comments below.

Orissa Pattachitra #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI #GIsofIndia

The word Pattachitra is derived from the Sanskrit word “patta”, which means a painted piece of cloth, or a plate; "chitra" means paintings or pictures.

The brilliantly colored Pattachitra works originated at Puri. They were/are produced as souvenirs for the pilgrims of the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha. 
Pattachitra is linked with Shree Jagannath Temple. 

You can see more images in this post- Pattachitra depicting Rasagola Dibasa and Niladri Bije Rath Yatra.

Themes for the Pattachitra paintings range from incidents in Krishna’s life and the avatars of Vishnu to the epic tales of Ramayana and Mahabharata. 

Odisha Geographical Indications And Spellings #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI #GIsofIndia

Odisha is a culturally and naturally-rich state situated in eastern India. 
As per records, Odisha's history is at least 5,000 years old. 
Odisha has been known by many names over the centuries.
"Kalinga" and "Utkala" are popularly used even today. More information here. 

Odisha was the first state of India formed on the linguistic basis. 

Orissa, a state of Oriya speakers, was established as a province of British India on 1 April 1936. 

We celebrate 1 April every year as Utkala Dibasa.

Note- Odisha was previously called "Orissa." 

The English name Orissa was changed to "ODISHA" in 2011. 

The spelling of Oriya language too has been changed to "ODIA" in 2011. 

However, many people are not aware and continue to use the old spellings.
Many books and maps are yet to update the correct spellings.
Some organisations/offices etc. have to use the old name i.e. "Orissa" as their names still have not been changed.

Newsmaker Geographical Indications #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI #GIsofIndia

How or why or when does a product or person find a place in the news? 

Some Geographical Indications (GIs) are really famous and are newsmakers. GI products are known for their unique and superior qualities, reputation and characteristics. Many people have heard their names, though the same people may not be aware about the term - "Geographical Indications" or that the products have got GI tags.

Some Examples: 

• Darjeeling Tea - This was India's first Geographical Indication.    
• Nagpur Orange - It gives its city the pseudonym 'Orange City'.
• Kashmir Pashmina - Handcraft shawls, stole and scarves, made from the fine wool of Pashmina goat, are sought after by buyers in India as well as abroad.
• Banaras Brocades And Sarees - If there is a survey of sarees, then this famous saree should be the top-of-mind recall of a majority. It is a popular choice, especially for weddings.

Image Courtesy: Sabyasachi

Anushka Sharma chose to wear a vermillion Banarasi saree, created by several artisans from the Peeli Kothi area in Banaras, at her Delhi wedding reception.

While Virat Kohli wore a black textured silk signature bandhgala with the house buttons in 18k gold and a white silk kurta with hand-woven brocade churidaar.

Medicinal Kandhamal Haladi #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI #GIsofIndia

'Kandhamal Haladi' is a variety of turmeric indigenous to southern Odisha, India. It earned the Geographical Indication (GI) tag last year.

The recognition came on April 1st, 2019, on Odisha state's Foundation Day that is celebrated as Utkala Dibasa. On April 1 1936, Odisha was the first state of India that was formed on the basis of linguistic identity in the then British India.

Odisha is blessed with great natural beauty, natural wealth and congenial agro‐climatic conditions. Kandhamal is one of the districts of Odisha. It is famed for its aromatic turmeric that is called Kandhamal Haladi. Turmeric is called "Haladi" in Odia language and "Haldi" in Hindi. This agricultural product has great medicinal value, healing properties and salubrious aroma.

Lovely Bomkai Saree And Fabrics #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI #GIsofIndia

Odisha has a variety of unique handlooms. As per records, handloom weaving in Odisha goes back to 600 BC.

Some of the Odisha handicrafts including handlooms have earned the Geographical Indications (GI) tag. You can read about them here- Fabrics And Sarees Of Odisha with the GI Tag.

While many saree lovers know the name of Sambalpuri saree, the other names are not that well known. Do you know about "Bomkai Sarees and Fabrics"?

Bomkai is the name of a village in Ganjam district in southern Odisha in India. 

It lends its name to the 'Bomkai Saree and Fabrics'.

Bomkai Saree & Fabrics are a GI of Odisha.  

Bomkai Saree is a handloom saree from Odisha, India that originated in Bomkai, Ganjam district. Bomkai Saree has rich traditional floral, ornamental and attractive designs and motifs like flowers (Kanthiphula, Atasi, Bitter gourd, Lotus etc), birds, deer, fish, damru, dancing dolls, tortoise, creepers etc. Rows of Kumbha (temple spires) are favourite border motifs.

Kotpad Handloom Fabric #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI #GIsofIndia

Kotpad is the name of a village in Koraput district in southern Odisha in India. 
It lends its name to 'Kotpad Handloom'. 
Kotpad Handloom Fabrics are vegetable-dyed fabrics woven by the tribal weavers of Kotpad. 

Kotpad is Odisha's first Geographical Indication (GI).  

Many generations of talented tribal weavers (Mirgana caste) of Kotpad village have been weaving these natural handloom fabrics from centuries. 

Jagannath, Jayadeva, And Khandua Sarees And Fabrics #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI #GIsofIndia

Odisha has a rich tradition and history of handicrafts and handlooms.

Khandua Saree and Fabrics are a type of Orissa Ikat. Orissa Ikat has the Geographical Indications (GI) tag.

Khandua is Single Ikat (fabrics are woven with tie and dye process either on warp or weft). Khandua is basically a weft Ikat. 

Khandua is woven on cotton, silk and tussar sarees, dress-materials and wall-hangings.

Khandua Saree and Fabrics has got the GI Tag too.

Ikat or Bandha of Odisha - Orissa Ikat #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI #GIsofIndia

Ikat is a Malay word that is derived from the word "Mangikat" that means to bind, knoot or wind round. Ikat is a process of tie-and-dye weaving of handlooms. There are different names of Ikat available in different regions of India some of which have earned the Geographical Indications (GI) tag viz.- Pochampally Ikat in Telangana, Patan Patola in Gujarat etc.

Orissa Ikat refers to the Ikat made in Odisha. 
It is also called “Bandha kala" in Odisha. Bandha means Ikat and kala means art.

Watch how Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik uses Orissa Ikat to demonstrate making his own mask and to be safe during this Coronavirus pandemic.

Thanks @sudarsansand for using the #Ikat #handloom cloth of #Odisha #OrissaIkat to #MakeYourOwnMask 🙏

Bright, colourful, breathable & doable 👍
Everyone must join the #MaskIndia movement. https://t.co/TDFWWr9HLs

— anitaexplorer (@anitaexplorer) April 10, 2020

Orissa Ikat is a GI of Odisha, India. 
Grouping of threads for tying and dying in Orissa Ikat is carried out in minimum two and maximum four threads, which technique is not used in any other Ikat of India.

Type: Handicraft

GI Application# 22

Certificate Date: 2/6/2005 

Odisha state's name's spelling has been changed in 2011.

As the Geographical Indications (GI) Application was filed in 2005, thus it is referred as Orissa Ikat. 
The old spelling of Odisha i.e. Orissa is a part of the GI name as Odisha state's name change from Orissa to Odisha was done six years after filing the GI application.

Habaspuri Saree And Fabrics #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI #GIsofIndia #AToZChallenge

"Habaspuri" is named after the village of Habaspur in Kalahandi district in Odisha, where it originated.  Habaspuri is a cotton-based traditional handloom textile of Odisha. 

These are handwoven by the skilled tribal weavers of Habaspur. Presently, the places of production have increased- Chicheiguda village in Junagarh Block, Baladimal, Chakuli, and nearby places of Kalahandi district of Odisha. Habaspuri saree is used as a ceremonial bridal saree by the local people. 

Ganjam Kewda Flower And Ganjam Kewda Rooh #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI #GIsofIndia #AToZChallenge

Odisha, a state in eastern India, has thirty districts. Each district has unique products.
Ganjam is a district in southern Odisha. As it is my native place, I have spent much time there.
However, there is a lot that I am still learning...

The following Geographical Indications (GIs) of Odisha have links with the Ganjam district:

1. Bomkai Saree & Fabrics - Handicraft
2. Berhampur Patta (Phoda Kumbha) Saree & Joda – Handicraft

3. Ganjam Kewda Rooh - Manufactured

4. Ganjam Kewda Flower - Agriculture

When I started working on the GIs of Odisha, I knew about many of the GIs of Odisha, especially the handicrafts and handlooms.
But, the Ganjam Kewda Flower and Ganjam Kewda Rooh were revelations.
I felt very ignorant.
Why did I not know of them?
This is not taught in school text-books, nor had I read about them in the news media.