But the crowning glory for the leather research and industry is the Padmasri awarded to Dr T Ramasami, director of the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI). The announcement of the award came on the eve of the 35th Leather Research Industry Get-Together (LERIG) on January 27. More than the scientists, the leather industry was jubilant and exalted. ``Because this honour is in recognition of Dr Ramasami's service to us. He has saved us from several predicaments, has given us answers to several catastrophic problems especially on the realms of leather processing and environment,'' says Mr Hashim.

This great man's acumen and sagacity was manifest in the Lerig where over a dozen diverse interests of leather production, processing, trade, chemicals etc, the administrators and scientists were on a single platform to discuss the future strategy for Indian leather. The connecting link, the common factor was Dr Ramasami. Mr Rafeeque Ahmed, former CLE chairman, said: ``If I were in the Padmasri award selection committee, I would have conferred it on Dr Ramasami for the single feat of bringing us all together.''

Lerig in different seminars during January 28-30 discussed the latest trends in all areas of leather and looked into the future, the immediate five years and beyond.

The industry had its heart in all these as the exports are booming and is sure to touch $2 billion by March. The uptrend is in all segments, especially in garments which were in the doldrums for several years.The target set for 2006 is $3.5 billion and the CLE chairman is sure to hit $4 billion. But he has set some conditions, including dereservation of leather manufacturing sector and opening it up for investment by Indians and foreigners to achieve economies of scale, competitiveness in prices and better bargaining power. Mr Hashim also wants the labour laws to be amended to the changing scenario.

He, however, says all these efforts will go waste if the facilities in the ports and airports are not improved. Even now major vessels do not call at Chennai port. Feeder vessels carry the cargo to Singapore or Colombo and then is transhipped. In the process ``we lose 10 to 15 days compared to our largest competitor, China,'' he says.

Industry has received a shot in the arm from the Union commerce and industry minister, Mr Murasoli Maran, who announced at the inauguration of the 16th India International Leather Fair (IILF 2001) on January 31 that his ministry is studying the proposal for dereservation of leather manufacturing to attract 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI). But announcements had been there in the past too. The industry is very hopeful about a positive outcome.

The Indian leather industry is stepping into the new millennium in style. The leather capitla of India, Chennai, has got a permanent trade centre, thanks to the initiative of the Tamil Nadu government and concrete action by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO). The Chennai Trade Centre (CTC) was also inaugurated on January 31 by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunandihi. IILF 2001 is the first event in the centre. IILF 2001 itself is a big success. There are over 380 participants, 120 from 26 different countries. The fair itself is a big hit as large number of foreign buying delegations are coming.

The business meetings of the Indian industry with foreign buyers are arranged by CLE under international technology market in leather and it is named as `Intechmart'. Delegations are coming from Italy, Spain, Germany, South Korea, South Africa, the US and the UK.

The versatility and hi-fi range of Indian leather and products were presented in two spectacular and magnificent fashions shows, led by the reigning Miss World and Miss Asia Pacific, on February 1. Indian leather is world class and the world is turning towards it. The countries have little choice as India owns close to 10 per cent of the world's raw material.