The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) concluded its 38th Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, with the election of new members to its Committee of Administration (CoA). Among the newly elected members is Jesmina Zeliang, a prominent exporter from Dimapur, Nagaland, who has made significant contributions to the promotion of handicrafts from the North East.
Chaired by Dileep Baid, Chairman-EPCH, the meeting saw leading members, including Neeraj Khanna, Sagar Mehta, and other key exporters, come together to discuss initiatives aimed at expanding the reach of India’s handicrafts in global markets. During the meeting, Baid briefed attendees on the Council’s achievements and the ongoing efforts to support artisans across the country.
Zeliang, who has been in the handicrafts sector for over three decades, was elected to represent the North-East Region on the CoA. She is best known for her brand “Heirloom Naga,” which has been instrumental in bringing Nagaland’s unique crafts to international prominence. Through her brand, she works directly with over 1,000 artisans, enabling them to access global markets through high-end brands and luxury labels.
Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades for her role as a cultural entrepreneur.
In addition to her business success, Zeliang has founded the Heirloom Naga Centre in Dimapur, Nagaland, with the mission of promoting, preserving, and continuing the cultural traditions of the region.
Baid also expressed his appreciation for the outgoing member, KL Ramesh, acknowledging his valuable contributions during his tenure. Baid urged the newly elected CoA members to collaborate and work together to further elevate the handicrafts sector, creating greater opportunities for artisans across the country.
Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts is a nodal agency for promotion of exports of handicrafts from the Country and create brand image of magic of the gifted hands of millions of artisans and crafts persons engaged in production of home, lifestyle, textiles, furniture and fashion jewellery & accessories products in different craft clusters of the Country. The Handicrafts exports during the year 2023-24 was Rs. 32,759 Crores (US $ 3,956 Million) registering a growth of 9.13% in rupee term & 6.11% in dollar terms over the previous year, as informed by RK Verma, Executive Director, EPCH.