The Bengal Fashion Heritage 2021 was organized on Friday, 15th January 2021.

The discussion focused on the sustainable approach towards continuation of business in this unprecedented time, need of e-Commerce platform to sell the products directly from the manufacturer, the current consumer psychology post lockdown and exploring new opportunities.

Mr. Deb A Mukherjee, President, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry gave a formal welcome address and shared his perspective of conserving and uplifting the Fashion Heritage of Bengal. He welcomed all the Panelist and the Chief Guest Shri Rajesh Pandey, IAS, Principal Secretary MSME & Textile Dept. Govt. of WB, said,’ MSME & Textile Department. Shri Paney at his speech highlighted that his Department would like to be associated The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry in handholding the weavers and artisans of Bengal, Dr. Rupali Basu, Founder, Director of TBFH and Chairperson, Lifestyle Committee, BCC&I mentioned that Bengal has traditionally produced skilled embroidery artisans who have popularized Kantha Stitch, Block Print globally. These craftsmen are scattered all over India and do not get any support as there is no representation from their end to the MSME & Textile Department. She through her speech proposed the Government of West Bengal to constitute ‘Embroidery Council’ to safeguard the interests of these skilled artisans. Dr. Munal Mahbub, Senior Vice President, Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry applauded The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry for bringing both the Bengals together to promote fashion heritage of Bengal shared historically. She focused on the need of having joint initiatives for true bilateral trade and also opening window to the beautiful creative works in Bangladesh to Indians.

A Panel Discussion on “Continuation of Business" was addressed by Panelists representing India and Bangladesh were:

• Ms. Malika Verma, Deputy Director, TBFH 2021 & Director, Malika's Kantha Collection & Trading Pvt. Ltd
• Ms. Minnie Juneja, Deputy Director, TBFH 2021 & Chairperson, Fenasia Foundation
• Ms. Pinky Kenworthy, Eminent Fashionshow Director
• Dr. Munal Mahbub, Senior Vice President, Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry, representing Bangladesh
• Mr. Adarsh Makharia, Director, OSAA by Adarsh
• Mr. Bappaditya Biswas, Partner, Bailou & Byloom
• Mr. Pranay Baidya, Designer, Pranay Baidya
• Mr. Abhishek Ray, Proprietor, A Square Creations
• Ms. Nuzhat Nueri Kristy, Founder & Designer Of Kristy Boutique, Designer Member Of Designers Forum & Director, Chittagong women Chamber Of Commerce & Industry

BCC&I on the occasion of TBFH 2021 felicitated 3 Creative Geniuses of Bengal: - Smt. Shamlu Dudeja, Chairperson, SHE Foundation, Smt. Nandita Raja, Founder, Kanishka, & posthumously to Late Sharbari Datta, for their untiring efforts and enduring sacrifices in creating livelihood for artisans and the contribution towards weaving magic with curious blend of tradition and modernity.  

The total viewership of this programme was 327896.  It was well covered in leading newspapers and digital news portals like– Ei Samay (Bengali news portal of Times of India group), T2 (The Telegraph). The Bengal Chamber aims to bring similar kind of initiative in future also.