Barinder Saluja, Chandigarh,Jan 16 : SILK – The undisputed Queen of textiles has an aura of glamour like no other. Silk is loved the world over by all civilizations from time immemorial for its beauty, elegance and exquisiteness enriched further by the creative fantasies of traditionally skilled artisans who create poetry’s through the intricate designs, inimitable images and vibrant colors. Its natural sheen, delightful textures, inherent sophistication and excellent drape impart it the magnificence which no other fiber can substitute.
Of late, this classical fiber has been facing unfair competition from cheap man made substitutes by passing them on to consumers as pure silk by unscrupulous traders depriving the genuine consumers and stakeholders of the real value of silk, despite paying for it. Not able to identify the pure silk from the rest of the look like fake ‘silks’, the consumer is often exploited and taken for a ride who is purely at the mercy of the traders as far as purity and veracity is concerned. According to a study, on an average, six out of ten consumers fall prey to this unethical trade practice followed through out the length and breadth of the country.
Silk is considered to be a holy fiber in India and no religious ceremony is complete without the use of silk. Purity and sanctity of a silk is sacrosanct to the silk lovers. But how to ensure this to the consumers? Silk Mark is the only answer to this persistent menace haunting the consumers for a hassle free shopping.
Silk Mark is an initiative of Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India. Silk Mark is managed by the Silk Mark Organisation of India (SMOI). In its short span of over six years, SMOI has achieved spectacular success in enrolling around 1600 Authorised Users and making available over a crore Silk Mark labeled products in the market.
Exhibition cum Sale
Silk Mark Expo’s have proved a powerful tool in the promotion of Silk Mark. Seventeen Expos are being organized in the major metros across the country during this year. The Chandigarh Expo is the 15th in the series which will be held from 14th Jan to 19th Jan 2011 at Kisan Bhawan, Sector 35A, Chandigarh showcasing the entire range of pure silk products hailing from the remote weaving clusters of India under one roof by 60 participants.
Chief Guest of the Inaugural Function
The inauguration was held at 3 p.m on 14th Jan. 2011 at Kisan Bhawan by Shri. Pradip Mehra IAS, Adviser to the Administrator ,UT Chandigarh. Shri K. Sukumar Menon, CEO, Silk Mark Organisation of India, Bangalore besides other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
Visitors Views
Mrs. Kamalpreet said, ” I am a regular visitors of this exhibition every year and wait eagerly for this as it provide purest form of Silk and with vivid designs”. Mrs. Anju Sharma, IAS, said, “These types of initiatives should be a must in other Fields of commodities also as customer is sure of the purity of the product. Generally I buy Silk Saree’s worth one and a half lac every year from this very exhibition”
Mr. Vinod Sasodia along with his family commented & appreciated the way the officials explained to them the check method of purity of the Silk. He said this is the right way to educate & awareness of the customer.
The officials declared that last year they had done a business worth 5.5 crore and this year they are expecting to cross 7 crore. this is the popularity of the Silk Mark Expo in Chandigarh.
