Sambalpur:In order to transform and promote business while preserving culture and heritage, IIM Sambalpur organized second edition of a 12-day weekend certificate programme called the 'Small Business Management Training Programme' for Master Weavers of Western Odisha in support with SIDBI. Conducted under the aegis of the Centre for Responsible Business, the programme is focused on various subjects including design, digital marketing, GST, Financial Management, Operation and communication skills. Approximately 25 Master Weavers are going through the training with a focus on to up market through digital platform such as Flipkart, Amazon and ONDC.
Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, emphasized the institute's commitment to acknowledging and supporting India's indigenous handloom industry. He highlighted that prior to British colonization, India was responsible for 25% of the world's textile production, a stark contrast to the current scenario where this contribution has dwindled to less than 3%.
Prof. Jaiswal further said, “We believe the textile industry is crucial for India's development. With an aim to promote marketing and distribution, we took the first step to partner with Flipkart. However, we soon realized that our skilled master weavers and artisans require fundamental business knowledge in areas such as GST and invoicing, marketing to deliver business training and all faculties teaches the subject such as Marketing Management, Financial Management, Operations, Strategy etc. in Odia languages. This pioneering effort makes IIM Sambalpur the first management institute in India to offer business education in the vernacular language, with a specific focus on supporting local enterprises.”
Prof. Jaiswal further informed, “The upcoming phase of training is designed to enhance their skills in market creation. The curriculum includes instruction on the five Ps of marketing (Product, Price, Place, Promotion, and People) and an exploration of global market trends. To facilitate this process, incubation support is deemed necessary. Consequently, the initiation of a startup aimed at global product marketing is underway. The ultimate objective is to establish a 'Bunkar Valley,' akin to Silicon Valley, with a specific emphasis on elevating India’s weaving industry on the global stage.”
Shri. Akshay Sunil Agrawal, DM & Collector, Sambalpur, emphasizes the significance of comprehending sustainability challenges in India and said, “There exists a notable generation gap, and our aim should not only be to survive but to thrive. Understanding market demands, trends, and bridging information and economic disparities are crucial. The prosperity of artisans, such as those in Sambalpur, hinges on efficient marketing, product packaging, and awareness of fashion trends. Initiatives like this, which integrate feedback and interactive sessions, play a vital role in tackling challenges and devising solutions.”
Shri. Ramkrishna Meher, National Awardee, Handloom (2015), World Craft Council Awardee (UNESCO- 2018) said, “Many artists and scientists from around the world have come to this region to learn the art of weaving. However, this weaving technique cannot be done using any machinery or computers. It is only possible through the weavers themselves. IIM Sambalpur is making efforts to train the weavers and help their products reach international markets. Through initiative from IIM Sambalpur, significant changes have come in the lives of the weavers. This has helped in preserving the weaving culture, advancing the tradition, and empowering the weavers."
Dr. Surendra Meher, National Awardee (1991), three times UNESCO Awardee said, “The Sambalpuri weaving art has a distinct identity across India and the world. This is not recent but dates back to the 14th century. Sambalpuri weaving is the intellectual property of the weavers. Along with Sambalpuri sarees, the culture, traditions, and practices of this region are deeply intertwined. No machine can replace the place of weavers in the art of weaving. Dr. Meher advised the weavers to create high-quality sarees and uphold the dignity of the weaving art. IIM Sambalpur is playing an integral role in transforming lives of weaver community and safeguarding the rich heritage of Odisha.”
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Prof. Sumita Sindhi. The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Bhairab Chandra Patra.
About IIM Sambalpur:
IIM Sambalpur is one of the premier management institutions in the country and is widely known for its quality education. Spread over approximately 200 acres of land, the breathtaking and spectacular permanent campus of IIM Sambalpur was inaugurated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, on 3rd February 2024. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone on 2nd January 2021, via video conferencing. Furthermore, the Union Education Minister, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, recently inaugurated the Incubation Centre, I-Hub Foundation, to promote startups and the 'Rangavati Centre of Excellence in Cultural and Sustainable Management'. It also has tie-ups with Flipkart, Amazon, and SIDBI to support, promote and connect regional weavers with global platforms. Equipped with sustainable practices and modernized facilities, the campus values its regional art by mapping the traditional IKAT, patterned textile-dyeing technique onto the brick façade. The institute is committed to providing excellent management education, harbouring a sense of entrepreneurship, and developing socially responsible leaders. IIM Sambalpur is known for its two-year flagship MBA Program, and admissions are held via CAT. It also offers an MBA for working professionals at the Delhi Centre at ISID, Vasant Kunj, providing options for a dual-degree program in partnership with French universities. Furthermore, in addition to the Executive MBA Program, the premier institute offers a PhD, Executive PhD, and Management Development Program (MDP). IIM Sambalpur has played a torchbearer role for other IIMs in terms of gender-diverse classrooms. IIM Sambalpur cut-off is 92 percentile. IIM Sambalpur's MBA fee is INR 13.04 Lakh, whereas IIM Sambalpur's average package stood at INR 16.64 LPA and IIM Sambalpur's highest package stood at INR 64.61 LPA for the 2023 batch.
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