Jammu, March 31: Varuna Anand has been appointed to two significant national roles within FICCI Ladies Organisation (FICCI FLO), the women’s business wing of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. She will serve as the National Initiative Head for Textiles, Handlooms & Handicrafts, and as a National Governing Body Member for the term 2026-2027. These appointments signify a continued focus on her expertise in traditional crafts and her leadership within the organisation.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Anand’s new responsibilities will fall under the leadership of the 43rd national president, Puja Garg. This appointment highlights Anand’s dedication to promoting India’s textile heritage and supporting women-led enterprises within the sector.
A textile designer by profession, Varuna Anand has a long-standing association with the revival and promotion of the intricate art of Kashmiri shawl making. In her capacity as National Initiative Head, she is expected to contribute to fostering a robust and inclusive ecosystem for the textiles, handlooms, and handicrafts sectors. Her work will aim to preserve traditional craftsmanship while simultaneously encouraging innovation and enhancing market access for artisans.
The scope of her role will also involve creating vital linkages at both national and international levels, ensuring that Indian textiles and handicrafts gain wider recognition and market presence. A core priority will be strengthening the capabilities of the FLO network, which comprises a significant base of women entrepreneurs and professionals. This will involve driving impactful engagements with grassroots artisans, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and craft communities across the country, aiming to empower them and create sustainable livelihoods.
Anand brings a wealth of experience to these new roles, having served as a Governing Body member for five years through her association with the FLO Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh (JK&L) Chapter. During her tenure, she has been instrumental in contributing to high-impact initiatives that have positively affected the craft and business landscape. Furthermore, she previously held the position of Chairperson of FLO JKL for the 2023-24 term and served as the National Initiative Head for Partnership & Collaborations for FICCI FLO for the 2025-26 term, demonstrating a consistent trajectory of leadership and contribution.
Expressing her gratitude for the appointment, Varuna Anand conveyed her thanks to Puja Garg for the trust placed in her. She reaffirmed her commitment to enhancing the textile and handicrafts sector of India, emphasizing the importance of taking pride in traditional textiles and crafts as a pathway to creating sustainable opportunities for artisan communities. FICCI FLO, recognised as one of South East Asia’s leading women-led chambers of commerce, boasts a substantial membership of over 15,000 women spread across 21 chapters and four Youth Organisation of FICCI Ladies Organisation (YFLO) chapters.
The Chenab Times News Desk