IIM Sambalpur offers a vernacular-language certificate program for Odisha weavers

In cooperation of SIDBI, IIM Sambalpur has arranged the second iteration of a 12-day weekend certificate program for master weavers in western Odisha, dubbed the "Small Business Management Training Programme." The program, which is run by the Centre for Responsible Business, focuses on a number of topics such as design, digital marketing, GST, financial management, operation, and presentation skills.

The Institute stated that about 25 master weavers are undergoing the training, with an emphasis on the market via online retailers like Flipkart, Amazon, and ONDC.

IIM Sambalpur's director, prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, stressed the school's dedication to recognising and assisting India's native handloom sector. He emphasised that, before to British colonisation, India accounted for 25 percent of global textile production; this represents a sharp contrast to the present situation, in which India's contribution has decreased to less than 3 percent.

Prof. Jaiswal said, “We believe the textile industry is crucial for India’s development. To promote marketing and distribution, we took the first step to partner with Flipkart. However, we soon realised that our skilled master weavers and artisans require fundamental business knowledge in areas such as GST and invoicing, marketing to deliver business training 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.”

The director went on to say that the goal of the next training phase is to improve the weavers' abilities in creating markets. The five Ps of marketing - Product, Price, Place, Promotion, and People as well as an examination of worldwide market trends are covered in the same curriculum. “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.” he said.