Puneri Pagdi obtains geographical indication status

Pune, Jan 3 (ANI): Shree Puneri Pagdi Sangha recently managed to obtain geographical indication (GI) status for the famed Puneri Pagadi, the traditional headgear of Maharashtrians, and thus ensure its conservation.

This headgear was the index of India's revolutionary freedom fighters Balgangadhar Tilak and Gopal Krishna Gokhale, who sported the Puneri Pagdi with pride.

The move to acquire the GI status for the famous headgear, which is considered to be the hallmark and honour of Pune, was mooted by the city's Shree Puneri Pagadi Sangh.

"The Geographical indication (GI) status that we have secured for 'Puneri Pagdi' will make our headgear famous all over the world by the name of Puneri Pagdi. No one would be able to manufacture them through wrong means and would not be able to amend the traditional way of making them," said Girish Murudkar, member, Shree Puneri Pagadi Sangha.

With the endorsement of the GI, no turban made outside Pune region can be legally sold under the name of Puneri Pagadi and this will benefit local artisans.

"The Puneri Pagdi can be popularised as a souvenir showcasing Indian tradition. Even the local artisans will gain employment by this," added Murudkar.

Great Mission Group Consultancy (GMGC), also based in Pune had completed the formalities for the grant of GI.

Earlier, Puneri Pagdi did get the intellectual property rights (IPR).

In India, there are certain headgears that are unique and happen to be pride of the particular region. Similar to Puneri Pagdi, the Himachali topi is another famous headgear.

The GI status aims at promoting the economic prosperity of producers of goods in a geographical area. Usually, the tag is granted to goods that essentially originate and are produced in a defined geographical locality and region. Geographical indications are covered as part of intellectual property rights. By Shivaji (ANI)