To bolster India’s traditional handloom sector, particularly in Odisha, IIM Sambalpur, a leading management institute, organised a Buyer-Seller Meet at its campus. This event aimed to foster connections between master weavers and prominent buyers from across India, including well-known brands like FabIndia, Nykaa Fashions, Reliance Swadesh, and Aditya Birla Liva. The initiative provided master weavers with direct market access, significantly expanding their global business opportunities while promoting Odisha’s rich handloom heritage. During the event, a booklet titled ‘Natural Dyeing’ was also unveiled by the dignitaries.
The event marked the successful conclusion of the second edition of the 12-weekend ‘Small Business Management Training Programme,’ tailored for master weavers from Western Odisha and conducted at the IIM Sambalpur campus. This programme was organized in collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), Aditya Birla Grasim, Imperial College, ORMAS, and the Mission Shakti Department of Odisha. Additionally, the day featured an exhibition-cum-sale of weaver products, showcasing a diverse array of handloom creations with a focus on Sustainable Fashion. The exhibition highlighted the use of fiber yarns dyed with natural dyes, including Excel yarn, and innovations in fiber yarns sourced from water hyacinth, bamboo, and banana plants. The valedictory event attracted over 1,000 delegates, including senior management representatives from SIDBI, Aditya Birla Grasim Industries, and other prominent figures in the handloom sector. The institute also formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Flipkart to facilitate the onboarding of master weavers and artisan products onto the digital marketing platform, thereby enhancing their market reach. Over 1,000 attendees, including buyers, sellers, master weavers, faculty, staff, and students of IIM Sambalpur, participated in the program.
Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director of IIM Sambalpur, delivered an inspiring address emphasizing the crucial role of the handloom sector in preserving India’s rich cultural heritage. He stated, “Our focus on reviving India’s handloom industry is part of a sustainable approach. Through the creation of Project: ‘Bunkarvalley.com,’ we aspire to establish a hub similar to Silicon Valley, dedicated to revitalizing and promoting handloom crafts in national and international markets. This initiative nurtures both human and environmental well-being. By emphasizing the five Ps of marketing—Product, Price, Place, Promotion, and People—we aim to equip weavers, much like our MBA students, with the tools to elevate traditional handloom products to the global market. This initiative is not just a local effort but a movement with the potential to transform India’s economy.”
Keshav Rao, Director (Personnel) at MCL and the Chief Guest, highlighted the significance of digital platforms in improving market accessibility and underscored the potential for innovation to transform the sector. He remarked, “The exceptional quality of handloom products from the Sambalpur region reflects the talent and dedication of weavers, who have achieved national recognition. The initiative led by Prof. Jaiswal represents a unique effort to revitalize and promote the handloom industry, a noble cause. I am confident that this approach will position Sambalpur as a hub for sustainable business practices.”
Arup Kumar, CGM and Eastern Zonal In-charge at SIDBI, delivered the keynote address, highlighting SIDBI’s cluster intervention program in collaboration with IIMs and IITs to enhance the capabilities of small and medium enterprises, particularly within the handloom sector. He stated, “Transformation is the result of a collective vision and resolute action. When change-makers like SIDBI collaborate with institutions such as IIM Sambalpur and other dedicated partners, we elevate small enterprises and cultivate innovation and inclusive growth. This effort transcends individual progress, aligning with the broader aspirations of our nation. By integrating appropriate strategies and support systems, we empower businesses to thrive, contributing to national development and success.”
Priyanka Priyadarshini, Vice President of Business Development at Grasim Industries Limited, Aditya Birla Group, and the Guest of Honour, stressed the importance of collaboration between industry and artisans. She noted, “By blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, we create sustainable solutions that meet both national and international demands. Knowledge, like a thread in the hands of a skilled weaver, has the power to create something beautiful and lasting. In our rapidly evolving industry, it is essential not only to innovate but also to pass on the wisdom and skills we have honed. We believe that real success lies in empowering others, which is why we are training future leaders and sharing knowledge to ensure growth and development in regions like Sambalpur. Our mission is to not only sustain but elevate, ensuring that every product and every effort contributes to a larger narrative of enduring impact and innovation. By empowering artisans with the expertise we’ve gathered, we ensure that our legacy continues to thrive, weaving the fabric of progress and tradition into every piece they create.”
The day concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, recognizing the contributions of various stakeholders to the handloom sector. Prof. Sujit Kumar Pruseth delivered the vote of thanks, while Prof. Sumita Sindhi gave the welcome address.
It is noteworthy that the 12-day weekend program, organized by the Center for Responsible Business at IIM Sambalpur, was specifically designed to empower Odisha’s traditional handloom sector. The second cohort saw active participation from 25 master weavers, building on the success of the first cohort, which included 18 participants.
The Buyer-Seller Meet was held in association with the SIDBI Cluster Intervention Programme, Natural Dye Immersion Programme, Birla Cellulose, Aditya Birla, and Imperial College. This event introduced Excel yarn, a sustainable material from Birla Cellulose by Aditya Birla, showcasing various products dyed naturally using this innovative yarn. The exhibition and Buyer-Seller Meet presented an extensive collection of products developed within the cluster, reflecting both traditional craftsmanship and innovative designs. The showcased items included sarees, dupattas, stoles, bedsheets, wall hangings, and handkerchiefs crafted from cotton and silk, with a special highlight on products developed using natural and other dyes with Excel, bamboo, and banana yarn.