N. Mulla, Zaheda
SANDUR LAMBANI EMBROIDERY |
The 'Sandur Lambani Embroidery' has joined the elite group of 'Darjeeling Tea', 'Mysore Silk', 'Kancheepuram Silk', 'Banaras Sarees and Brocades' and 'Feni'. It was granted the status of 'Registered Geographical Indications' on Sept. 03, 2010, by Shri. P.H. Kurian, I.A.S., Registrar of Geographical Indications. The Geographical Indications (GI) is one of the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) under the Indian laws, just like patents, trademarks, designs, etc.
With this registration, about 300 craftswomen of the Lambani tribe located in and around Sandur (a taluk in Bellary district, which was earlier a princely state) will benefit by this GI Registration. 'Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra' (SKKK), a NGO supported and promoted by Sandur Manganese and Iron Ore Ltd. (SMIORE) and The Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation (KSHDC) running its business activities under the trade name 'Cauvery', together have jointly supported the GI endeavour. The legal assistance and expertise was provided by the author of this article.
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