February 3 2016, 17.45 PM IST || Pocket News Alert
Bangalore, 3rd February 2016: Federation of Indian Granite and Stone Industry organized “12th STONA 2016 Fair”, one of the top three international stone exhibitions from 03 - 06 February 2016 at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bangalore. STONA 2016 was inaugurated by Sri. Vinay Kulkarni Hon'ble Minister for Mines & Geology Government of Karnataka with Mr. Luis Cabello, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of Embassy of Peru in India as the guest of Honour and Sri. Balvinder Kumar, IAS Secretary, Ministry of Mines Government of India, along with the leadership team of FIGSI comprising of Sri. Manoj Kumar Singh, Treasurer, Sri. N.K. Aswathrama, General Secretary, Sri. Jitendra Kothari, Vice President, Sri. S. Krishna Prasad, Vice President, Sri. Ishwinder Singh, Chairman, STONA, Sri. J.B. Surana, Imm. Past President, Sri. R. Sekar, President, Sri. R. Veeramani, Founder President and Chairman- Granite, Natural Stone Product Panel, CAPEXIL, Dr. K. Subba Reddy, Vice President, Sri. Sidda Hanumantha Rao, Vice President and Sri. Rakesh Sharma, Vice President.
The dignitaries unveiled a magnificent stone carved sculpture of “Make in India” logo at the event. The sculpture is a representation of the strength and determination of Federation of Indian Granite and Stone Industry to bring in more recognition and respect to the industry and promote Indian business environment.
STONA 2016 Fair is the 12th International Granites and Stone Fair is showcasing the unique range of country’s colorful, eye-catching natural stones and provides a platform that helps in demonstrating the capabilities, capacity and the most modern and latest techniques in the craft of stone workings. This also provides enormous business opportunities and also opens a window to new trends in the natural stone sector. Stona is all set to witness over 600 exhibitors from India and abroad with more than 10,000 people visiting the exhibition each day. Delegates from India, Brazil, Italy, Portugal, Turkey, Egypt, China, Taiwan, Korea and a host of other countries are also participating in STONA this year. STONA 2016 will be showcasing Shilpgram, depicting the skill of Indian artisans who will display their skill before the international visitors.
Representatives from Natural Stone Industries including Ornamental or Decorative building stones like Granites, Marbles, Sandstones, Slates, Quartzite etc., and ancillary and auxiliary Industries of Machinery, Tools, Consumables related to Stone Industries will be participating in the conference.
Speaking on the occasion Sri R. Sekar, President -Federation of Indian Granite and Stone Industry (FIGSI) said, “The aim of STONA 2016 Fair is to give the natural stone industry in India a significant growth opportunity with higher visibility, a professional oriented visitor profile and extremely efficient business development modules. The STONA fair has been recognised all over the world. STONA has become a brand name in the world and it has become a very powerful platform for the Indian Industry to market the Indian stone internationally. 20 years ago when STONA was started the Indian granite and stone industry had exports of Rs. 50 crore and is today the experts have gone up to Rs. 12000 Cr. Moreover STONA has also helped in creating avenues for networking and showcasing the work of Indian sculptors. Domestic Industry is also worth Rs. 12000cr employing more than 15Lac people in the Quarrying sector and other service industries related to Stone Industry.”
According to Sri Ishwinder Singh, Chairman- STONA 2016, “Platforms such as the STONA 2016 FAIR act as booster shots for the Granite, Marble and Stone Industry. STONA Fair provides a great platform to understand the global trends, get the latest technology and to project India's natural stones, products & the creative ability of artisans to make and supply exquisite products from variety of stones. STONA 2016 also has an unique zone “Shilpagram” designed by FIGSI to encourage budding sculptors to present their work and get a global platform to showcase their talent.”
