Following the glory of “Tangaliya”, the great state of Gujarat has been granted the GI (Geographical Induction) status. Needless to mention this is a fresh breeze for Gujarat’s saree making industry surviving the pangs of infringement. When asked about it a distinguished member of the FICCI (Western Region) told the media; “The Geographical Indication office in Chennai has accorded GI status to Surat’s Zari craft recently. It has brought cheers to over 1.50 lakh stakeholders directly or indirectly earning their livelihood”. Arun Zariwala, who happens to be the member of Federation of Indian Art Shilp Weaving Industry Association, was a happy man after the decision was made official. In his words; “The grant of GI status to Surat’s Zari craft will prevent others from duplicating it. It is amongst one of the oldest industry in Surat linked to changing prices of gold and silver from which it is made”. The use of zari was given prime importance while the decision was made official.

Gujarat has been one of the major players when it comes to the production of Benarasi sarees for which a special kind of suta (thread) and zari is being used. That defines how the work of thread and zari is done exclusively in Gujarat following which it is woven into fabrics. It was in the last year when the Textile Committee of FICCI and the Surat ‘Zari’ industry felt the urge to protect this fine art from the shackles of infringement. Director FICCI Western Region Dr Vaijayanti Pandit strongly underlined the fact” The Surat zari industry should now look at not only scaling up its manufacturing operations but also improving technology and product quality”. In turn the decision shall also secure the future of Benarasi sarees which stands as a strong embodiment of Indian culture and the fine craftsmen ship that the country is so proud of.