Chennai: HCLFoundation hosted the third edition of the My E-Haat Conclave at Noida Haat, bringing together artisans, policymakers, industry representatives and academics to discuss ways to strengthen India’s handicraft sector through technology, innovation and improved market access.
The conclave featured product showcases, cultural performances and discussions focused on building sustainable livelihoods for artisans. It also highlighted the role of digital platforms in helping craft communities connect directly with consumers and expand their reach beyond local markets.
HCLFoundation’s My E-Haat initiative currently supports more than 5,500 artisans across over 40 craft clusters in 10 states. Artisans from more than 110 clusters sell their products directly to customers through the My E-Haat portal, reducing dependence on middlemen and helping increase incomes by 20 to 30 percent. The initiative aligns with the government’s vocal for local push and aims to enable artisans to transition into entrepreneurs.
The event saw participation from government and institutional leaders, with TRIFED Managing Director M Raja Murugan delivering the keynote address on “Culture, Commerce & Community: Vision for Artisan Empowerment & Social Impact”. Dr Sunil Shukla, Director General of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, spoke on “Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for Craft Revival-Building Sustainable Livelihoods through Innovation & Market Linkages”.
“Through the My E-Haat initiative, HCLFoundation is aiming to strengthen the value chain of the Indian handicraft sector. My E-Haat empowers artisans to thrive in today’s competitive global markets by guiding them from product inception to market connectivity, enhancing their craftsmanship, product showcase and digital literacy,” said Dr Nidhi Pundhir, SVP, Global CSR, HCLTech and Director, HCLFoundation.
This year’s theme, “Woven Stories: The Looms of Legacy”, shaped two panel discussions, one examining how cultural heritage can be translated into economic opportunity and the other exploring the use of technology to unlock entrepreneurship and market access for artisans.
HCLFoundation also highlighted its collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Department of Prisons and Correctional Services, under which prison inmates are engaged in producing and selling craft products, creating avenues for meaningful employment.
India’s handicraft sector supports the livelihoods of over seven million people, with women accounting for more than 56 percent of the workforce. Handicraft exports from India stood at Rs 15,000 crore in FY25, according to Statista.
BI Bureau
