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

Share About GIs 

After we are informed, we can become aware. 

But, then, we also need to make an attempt to share. 

However, to share info from authentic and reliable sources we must take care.

Others do not know as yet. Only after they are informed, can we expect them to become aware. 

Thanks to persistent Rasgulla GI activism, a lot many more people know about Odisha Rasagola and that the Rasagola originated in Odisha. 

Still, many are yet to learn that the sweet treat first created in Odisha, Odisha Rasagola, i.e. Rasgulla from Odisha, has got the GI tag.

Social media makes sharing easy.

But, why will anyone zealously use and promote something?

What is the benefit they get by sharing info?

In this world of give and take, many people expect to get some money or something else in return. 

Some do to showcase the fabulous products of their village/district/state/nation, and display their pride and patriotism. 

Some others do it to support the local artisans, weavers, and farmers, and to promote the ancient handicrafts, foodstuffs, agricultural and manufactured GI products.

Whatever the reason, sharing means caring.

Be A Proud Brand Ambassador ; Use And Promote GIs 

There is no point in asking others to use and promote GIs if we ourselves do not do the same!

"Practice what you preach."

First, one needs to become a zealous brand ambassador of GI products oneself. One person can motivate many. 

This writer has been requesting politicians, producers, directors, designers, actors, singers, authors, artists etc. to please use GI products and ensure proper representation of GIs in their creative works. 

As these important personalities and/or their works have a good fan following, the population of users and promoters of GIs can increase. The more, the merrier.

It is very satisfying to see celebrities heeding to requests and promoting GI products.

The knowledge and awareness levels of GIs can be enhanced through such audio-visual mediums.

"Jo dikhta hai, wo bikta hai." - What is seen, sells.

The awareness and demand for the products are inter-linked. 

This festive season immerse yourself in the richness of Indian culture & heritage with the magnificent Orissa Ikat which is a Geographical Indication of Orissa. Celebrate the festivities with this exclusive handloom that emanates the beauty of Indian craftsmanship.#WahGi #GiftaGI pic.twitter.com/sSY6Waz6RS

— DPIIT India (@DIPPGOI) October 8, 2019

Be Responsible & Gift GI Products

The next time you have to gift a birthday or wedding gift, how about gifting a GI product? 

Our GI products are eco-friendly and sustainable and have a rich heritage. 

Once we are aware of our GI products, we must take responsibility to promote them. 

Gifting is a great way to make others learn about the "Invaluable Treasures of Incredible India" which is the tagline for GIs. This is a chance to make them appreciate and feel responsible.

Seeing our gesture, they too may be inspired to do the same and the positive chain reaction can continue and touch many lives.

Ministry of Commerce has a great promotion - #GiftaGI

May more people join the cause and make a difference.

Pipli Applique Work - Please buy & gift a GI - Pic Courtesy

Government Support for GI Products

Govt.'s Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) policies and support to GIs can be very helpful.

Some examples:

- Tourism where GI products can be souvenirs;

- GI Tourism where tourists exclusively visit GI places; 

- Facilitation with market linkage and export orders;

- Organizing GI Exhibitions and seminars; 

- Purchase and gift/sale of GI products; 

- Mandatory use of GI products by employees in offices, and students in schools and colleges, among others.

All this can hugely impact lives and livelihood.

Let us use these local GI products and help in motivating youngsters, and also boosting our nation's economy and progress.

Z For - Zealously
Zealously Use & Promote GI products.

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.
This is the Z post. Thank you to all for your support!

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? 
Are you zealously using and promoting GI products? 
If no, will you make a conscious attempt to do so from today?
Please do share in the comments below.