NOIDA, India, December 17, 2024 – HCLFoundation, the CSR arm of global technology leader HCLTech, successfully hosted the My E-Haat Conclave 2024 at the National Crafts Museum, New Delhi. The event highlighted HCLTech’s efforts to empower artisans, revitalize India’s craft economy, and ensure sustainable livelihoods through technology-driven market access.
The My E-Haat initiative, accessible via myehaat.in, connects thousands of artisans across India to a global consumer base, enabling direct market access through a unique CSR-funded online platform. This year’s conclave centered around the theme: “Revitalizing the Craft Economy: Empowering Artisans, Enriching Traditions”, reflecting HCLTech’s commitment to preserving India’s rich artisanal heritage while fostering economic sustainability.
The craft sector, comprising over 7 million artisans and 35,000 unique products, remains a crucial pillar of India’s economy. Speaking at the event, Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Senior Vice President, Global CSR, HCLFoundation, emphasized the significance of the conclave:
“By bringing together key stakeholders, we aim to create sustainable pathways for artisans, ensuring their traditions thrive. The conclave offered actionable policy recommendations and fostered collaboration among artisans, NGOs, and industry leaders, focusing on market access and preparing artisans to meet global demand.”
The conclave featured two pivotal panel discussions:
- Craft Entrepreneurship and Incubation
This session explored sustainable business ventures, capacity building, and scaling artisan enterprises, offering strategies to drive growth and self-sufficiency. - Innovation and Technology Intervention
The panel addressed the role of technology in enhancing productivity, market reach, and artisan engagement. Discussions focused on digital empowerment, design innovation, and creating robust digital platforms to connect artisans with wider audiences.
The My E-Haat Conclave 2024 successfully brought together policymakers, industry leaders, NGOs, and artisan communities to collectively advance the craft economy. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices, HCLFoundation continues to bridge the gap between tradition and technology, ensuring a brighter future for India’s artisans.
