Gundri Bazaar' in Darjeeling seeks to promote local products

SNS, DARJEELING, 25 DECEMBER 21 : A three-day-long 'Gundri Baazar' is being organized at Chowrasta in Darjeeling with a view to promoting local entrepreneurs.

Organised by organizations like the Vikrun Foundation, Dalli's Dailey and Decible, with support from the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), the programme has around 51 local entrepreneurs setting up their stalls of their products in the three-day fair.

"This event is being organized every year mainly to provide a platform to local entrepreneurs who had to return to the hills as a result of job cuts due t o the Covid pandemic. They have started small businesses here, but they need a platform to showcase their talents and products," said Vikrant Rai, the founder member of Vikrun Foundation. According to Mr Rai, this time round, apart from the sale cum exhibition, they are also holding a work-shop on 27 December.

"The CII, with our support, is also organising a workshop on Visioning Rural Entrepreneurship Hub. The session will be addressed by government officials and agencies like the Spices Board on the various schemes and policies that would support entrepreneurs," said Mr Rai.

He also maintained that marketing experts from Amazon would be sharing how to connect with their platform to enhance business outreach, along with representatives from banks to tell them how to approach for loans.

The stalls at the fair are exhibiting products like food, art and craft, handmade scented candles and pickles.

Such an event will also be held in Siliguri on the first week of January and in Kolkata on the second week of February.