26th November 2024: In a significant step toward empowering India’s craftsmen and women, Mr. Sanjay Nigam, Founder of the Fashion Entrepreneur Fund (FEF), called for the establishment of a dedicated Craft Fund during a high-profile panel discussion at the World Crafts Forum being held from November 22nd to 24th. The session, titled ‘CRAFT FUND: Establishing Craft Incubation and Entrepreneurship’, was held at the National Crafts Museum as part of the forum’s proceedings on November 22 in New Delhi.
The panel discussion of “Craft Entrepreneurship Fund” featured prominent thought leaders and established entrepreneurs, including Mr. Sanjay Nigam – Founder of the Fashion Entrepreneur Fund, Shri Dilip Baid – Chairman of EPCH, Ms. Amrit Raj, IPoS, DC (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Dr. M Beena and Mr. Raj Kumar – IIM-L and Craft & Impact Investor, and Mr Sundeep Kumar – Advisory at Craft Village. The discussion revolved around the urgent need for a robust ecosystem to support craft incubation, entrepreneurship, and market accessibility for artisans.
Mr. Nigam, an ardent supporter of Indian artisans passionately advocated to the government and proposed the establishment for the creation of a Craft Fund, an initiative that has never been done before and modelled as a public-private initiative, to align with national programs and integrate seamlessly with flagship national programmes like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Startup India.’ Recognizing the immense potential of the Indian artisan community, he suggested that the Ministry of Textiles and Handlooms take the lead in implementing this fund to empower India’s artisan community through financial support, skill enhancement, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Drawing on his expertise in fashion entrepreneurship, Mr.Nigam highlighted the role of impact-driven investment models like the Fashion Entrepreneur Fund in bridging the gap between heritage preservation and contemporary business practices.
Mr. Sanjay Nigam was honoured in Delhi by the Honourable Shree Omar Abdullah Ji, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir. The recognition acknowledged his efforts through the Fashion Entrepreneur Fund to support India’s cultural heritage and empower artisans & craftspeople. This moment underscored the growing importance of collaborative efforts to preserve traditional crafts.
Speaking about his participation, Mr. Nigam said “It was an honour to be part of this crucial dialogue at the World Crafts Forum. Supporting artisans has always been close to my heart, and this platform reaffirms our collective responsibility to empower them with the tools, resources, and opportunities they deserve.”
Panelists further discussed policy measures and strategic collaborations necessary to scale grassroots enterprises and create a self-sufficient craft economy. They emphasized the critical role of innovation, capacity building, and institutional support in revitalizing the sector.
The World Crafts Forum, through initiatives like these discussions, continues to inspire and drive impactful change in India’s craft and fashion ecosystems, reaffirming the country’s commitment to preserving its artisan legacy while fostering future-ready solutions.