Gifts World Expo 2025 Witnesses Grand Launch of ‘Shilpkar Marketplace’ | HHEWA

TEN NEWS NETWORK

On Jul 25, 2025

New Delhi (25 July 2025): The Gifts World Expo 2025—India’s largest exhibition for gifting and lifestyle products—opened in grand style at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, on July 24, 2025. The three-day event, running until July 26, has drawn over 700 exhibitors from across India and was inaugurated by Delhi’s Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Rakesh Sachan.

Among the event’s biggest highlights was the official launch of the ‘Shilpkar Marketplace’, an ambitious digital commerce platform. This launch marks a major milestone for India’s MSMEs and artisan communities, particularly in the handloom and handicraft sectors.

Shilpkar: Bridging Tradition with Technology

Launched under the visionary leadership of C.P. Sharma, President of the Handloom and Handicraft Welfare Association (HHEWA), the Shilpkar Marketplace aims to revolutionize how micro and small-scale manufacturers—particularly artisans and rural entrepreneurs—showcase and sell their products.

In an exclusive conversation with Ten News Network, C.P. Sharma emphasized that Shilpkar was conceptualized to empower small-scale manufacturers who traditionally lack access to national and international trade fairs due to high costs of stall bookings, travel, logistics, and promotions.

We represent more than 3,800 exporters and manufacturers across India, but many micro manufacturers simply cannot afford to participate in major exhibitions or even showcase their products effectively. Shilpkar solves this by offering a centralized digital platform where they can market and sell their products at minimal cost, said Sharma.

A Platform Rooted in the Vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’

According to C.P. Sharma, Shilpkar is more than a commercial venture—it aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a $5 trillion economy and promoting ‘Vocal for Local’ initiatives. We’re helping fulfill that vision by bringing together over 1,000 small manufacturers under one digital roof, supporting them with professional product design, photography, and market positioning, he added. These artisans only need to provide their products; we handle the rest—from product digitization to B2B outreach and logistics.

Minimal Investment, Maximum Reach for Artisans

To ease the digital transition for traditional artisans, Shilpkar is offering a commission-based revenue model. With only a 5–6% commission on sales, artisans do not bear any upfront costs for exhibition participation or product photography.

Unlike e-commerce giants that inflate prices or take hefty margins, we aim to keep pricing realistic and fair, Sharma stated. If a product costs ₹100, we aim to sell it at ₹140–₹145 maximum—ensuring both artisan profit and customer satisfaction. Moreover, Shilpkar’s long-term strategy includes participation in 10–12 national and international exhibitions annually, showcasing curated handicraft and handloom products as gift-ready items, further aligning with India’s growing corporate and festive gifting culture.

Future Growth & ₹500 Crore Target

HHEWA President C.P. Sharma revealed that Shilpkar has set an ambitious goal of achieving a ₹500+ crore turnover within the next three years through a mix of digital commerce, B2B trade shows, and export facilitation. While Sharma clarified he isn’t part of the private limited company itself, he affirmed HHEWA’s full support in ensuring the platform’s success. My role is to promote and support Indian artisans. HHEWA’s goal is simple—to empower those who empower our nation, Sharma said.

Director Rajesh Sahani: “Slow and Steady for Sustainable Success”

Rajesh Sahani, Director at Shilpkar, also spoke to Ten News Network, emphasizing the platform’s commitment to long-term growth and stability over instant success.

Shilpkar was born from the idea of giving India’s hidden artisan talent a global platform. We’re backed by over 3,500 manufacturers and exporters, and we’re helping them transition to digital and export markets, Rajesh Sahani said. There are so many skilled craftspeople in India’s interiors who have no access to major markets—we are reaching out to them and bringing them into the mainstream.

Rajesh Sahani also highlighted the importance of industry mentorship, export readiness programs, and business matchmaking for the artisans onboarded to Shilpkar.

Positive Response and Nationwide Expansion Plans

Despite being in its nascent stage, Shilpkar received a strong response from both buyers and exhibitors at the Gifts World Expo. The company now plans to scale operations across major metros including Mumbai, Bangalore, and Lucknow, increasing visibility and accessibility for its artisan partners. We’re not in a hurry. Sustainable growth is our priority, said Rajesh Sahani. Our goal is to offer high-quality products at competitive prices. We believe if the product and price are right, customers will follow.

Conclusion: A Bold New Chapter for Indian Handicrafts

With the launch of Shilpkar, India’s artisan and MSME communities now have a promising new gateway to national and global markets. By combining digital innovation, ethical pricing, and artisan empowerment, the platform stands to redefine how India’s traditional crafts integrate with the modern economy.

As India eyes its goal of becoming a global economic powerhouse, initiatives like Shilpkar not only elevate indigenous craftsmanship but also reaffirm the nation’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth.

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