Exhibition Of Geographical Indications Of India At IITF 2018

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry and some private individuals and government and non-government bodies and trade and industry representatives viz. Geographical Indications Registry (GIR), Department of Industry Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM), National Informatics Centre (NIC), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) etc. are focused on bettering trade prospects. 

This can be enabled with more Geographical Indications (GI) registration and empowering the artisans. Ministry of Commerce is promoting Intellectual Property (IP) and GIs with #LetsTalkIP hashtag. 

A Geographical Indication refers to a product that has a specific geographical history and origin and possesses qualities and reputation that are due to that origin. 

Recently, a new logo and tagline was adopted for GI. 
Geographical Indications are the "invaluable treasures of incredible India."

DIPP, in association with the above-mentioned bodies, is organizing an "Exhibition of Geographical Indications of India" at the 38th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2018 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, from November 14-27, 2018. This is a welcome initiative to make the public aware about the GIs of India.

Geographical Indications Of Odisha

Odisha is a culturally-rich state in the eastern part of India.  
Centuries ago, the enterprising merchants from Odisha had established great trade and commerce with the South East Asian nations. They used to carry products from ancient Odisha to other nations. A grand fair named "Bali Jatra" is celebrated every year in Cuttack. It is reminiscent of the ancient "journey to Bali".

International trade has immense possibilities in today's age.  There is a huge role of Geographical Indications (GI). GI is an Intellectual Property Right (IPR) that is a community right. GI earns reputation for the region/state and earns additional business following the registration as a geographical indication product. It contributes to the increase in sales and exports.

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

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

The first GI for an Indian product was for the Darjeeling Tea in 2004-05.

Odisha has a rich cultural heritage.
There are many varieties of Odisha Agricultural products, Handicrafts and Handlooms. But, only a few have got GI. 
Kotpad Handloom was the first GI from Odisha.

I have shared about Handlooms of Odisha in my previous posts:

Handlooms of Odisha
Odisha India Handlooms

Lord Jagannath's Rasagola #RasagolaProject

“I never stood a chance, did I?”

"Why this doubt?"

"They are debating about my origin!"

"The truth still remains the same, no matter what some say!"

"And most of the world doesn't know the truth- that you have always gifted me to your wife - Maa Lakshmi."

"Yes, I take your help to pacify Lakshmi after my replies to Her questions (Bachanika). She then lets me inside our home after my Ratha Jatra outing with my siblings "

"On Niladri Bije, Bhittarachhu Mohapatra, a major priest (sebayat) prepares me with much love as per the ancient tradition and hands me over to you to gift."

   

"Then, I smartly gift you to Lakshmi, who is both surprised and delighted to receive my sweet gift!"

The Rasagola Project #RasagolaProject

Do you know that Mahabalipuram Stone Sculpture earned the GI (Geographical Indications) tag on Children's Day this year?
Yes, on the same day when Banglar Rasogolla earned the GI tag!

One of the newspapers of India had found this news important enough to be reported on 14th November 2017. A few others reported the same news the next day.

Sweet Fake News On Children's Day

But, in stark contrast, on 14th November 2017, most news channels and media-houses focused on the news that West Bengal had won the GI tag for 'ROSOGOLLA/RASGULLA'!
Why the special status and attention to Rasagola?
All of them reported that Bengal has won the Rosogolla war against Odisha. Most of them spread misleading & fake news. 

From the news-reports, netizens and viewers inferred that 'Odisha has lost' and 'Odisha's claim for Rosogolla has been rejected' by the authorities of the GI Registry. 
How Odisha's claim has been rejected when the state has NOT submitted her application towards GI tag for Rasagola?
But, the readers and viewers were given incorrect gyaan:

Finally a decision, rosogolla belongs to Bengal, not Odisha
Read: https://t.co/SXvCkt4h04 pic.twitter.com/pZlqF9cDq9

— NDTV (@ndtv) November 14, 2017

Bengal's Gain Is Not Odisha's Loss

The next day, some papers reported that GI authorities had stated that Odisha can also apply for a tag.

Though some papers presented updated news, yet some information was wrong or kept hidden.
Note- Pahala Rasagola is not the only variety of Rasagola available in Odisha and it's not just brown, as it is available in off-white colour too!

Odisha’s Pahala rasgulla is different from the Banglar rasogolla; it is brown, soft and not spongy, and usually has a thinner syrup. #FPTrending #Rasgulla #Rasogolla pic.twitter.com/E6gRLWC3LO

— Firstpost (@firstpost) November 15, 2017

Plus, as per the GI authorities, despite the Banglar Rasogolla GI tag, the Rasagola origin debate is yet to be settled.

Chill! Rasagola belongs to India & to the Mouth & Stomach!

When anyone tries to question the incorrect news-reporting and stresses on the uncomfortable truth, conflict-managers & peace-lovers step in to dissipate tensions and to spread cheer saying there's no reason for a war!
"Rasagola tastes as good in all the states!" 
"Rasagola doesn't belong to any state, it's an Indian sweet!" 
"Rasagola belongs only to the mouth & stomach!"
Why the special status and attention to Rasagola?

If GI wasn't important, hundreds of applications wouldn't have been submitted for GI registration by the states so far.
Subsequent to West Bengal's products including Banglar Rasogolla, a number of products from Bihar and Rajasthan have also earned the GI tag.

Loopholes in the Banglar Rasogolla Application

There are some loopholes in the GI Application that Odisha can challenge.

The Rasagola Project 

As per some news-reports, there seems to be no intention to challenge the Banglar Rasogolla GI tag. Can a project ensure that the truth comes to light?

#RasagolaProject ??!*#!??