The Biz Reporter
SRINAGAR/NEW DELHI – In a significant move to represent the trade interests of Jammu and Kashmir on a national platform, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has appointed prominent Srinagar-based trade leader Shri Farhan J. Kitab as a member of the newly constituted Swadeshi Mela Organising Board.
The appointment comes as CAIT gears up to organise a “Grand Swadeshi Mela” in April 2026, an event envisioned to be the largest exhibition of its kind in the country.
The decision to form the high-level board follows a meeting of CAIT National Trade Leaders held in New Delhi on November 25, 2025. During the session, the Hon’ble Union Commerce & Industry Minister, Shri Piyush Goyal, urged the trading body to organise a massive showcase of indigenous products.
According to the official communication sent to Kitab, the event aims to celebrate the “strength, diversity, and potential of Indian trade and industry” in collaboration with the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and various industry bodies.
To execute this massive national project, a high-power Organising Board has been established under the Chairmanship of veteran industrialist Lion Dr. Ram Gopal Goel of Delhi.
In a letter dated November 27, 2025, CAIT leadership expressed that Kitab’s appointment was in recognition of his “commitment, experience, and sustained contribution to the trading community.”
The letter was jointly signed by top CAIT functionaries, including National President B.C. Bhartia, National Chairman Brij Mohan Agarwal, and Member of Parliament & Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal.
”Vocal for Local” Mission
The upcoming Swadeshi Mela is described not merely as an event, but as a “historic national initiative.” Its primary objectives are to celebrate India’s entrepreneurial spirit and showcase indigenous products on a global scale. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to empower small businesses and inspire the “Vocal for Local” movement across the country.
Mr. Kitab’s inclusion in the board is seen as a strategic step to ensure that the unique indigenous products and trade potential of the Jammu and Kashmir region are adequately represented in this landmark celebration of India’s economic strength.
