Hyderabad's iconic annual cultural and commercial extravaganza, the All India Industrial Exhibition, popularly known as Numaish, has officially opened its gates for its 85th edition. The event was inaugurated on Thursday by the state's IT and Industries Minister, D Sridhar Babu, at the historic Exhibition Grounds in Nampally.
More Than a Fair: A Living Social Experiment
In his inaugural address, Minister Sridhar Babu bestowed a profound title upon the exhibition, calling it the "emotional address" of Hyderabad. He elaborated that Numaish functions as a dynamic, living social experiment and a vibrant micro-economic hub. Unlike many traditional exhibitions that fade into obsolescence, the minister highlighted Numaish's unique ability to reinvent itself annually, adapting seamlessly to shifting generational tastes and contemporary contexts.
"It stands as a powerful example of the democratisation of commerce," Babu stated, underscoring its deep-rooted legacy and evolving significance in the city's socio-economic fabric. He pointed out that the spirit of Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, a symbol of composite culture, is vividly alive across the grounds, reflected in the incredible diversity of both stalls and visitors.
A Tapestry of Unity and Direct Commerce
The minister painted a picture of national unity, noting that the exhibition brings together products from Kashmiri silks to Kanyakumari handicrafts under one roof. He remarked that Numaish has been a testament to 'unity in diversity' and embraced the 'local to global' concept long before globalization became a common term.
In today's era dominated by e-commerce platforms, Sridhar Babu emphasized the exhibition's unique value in restoring the human connection between buyers and creators. It allows for direct interaction, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the craftsmanship behind each product.
A Self-Sustaining Model for Social Good
Beyond commerce and culture, the minister underscored Numaish's remarkable role as a self-sustaining philanthropy model. The revenues generated from the exhibition are reinvested into society through the Exhibition Society, which runs 19 educational institutions. This model ensures that the event's success directly contributes to the community's welfare and educational advancement.
Looking ahead, Sridhar Babu announced future-ready plans for the exhibition. He revealed that starting next year, the Exhibition Society will adopt advanced technologies, including an AI-enabled command and control centre to enhance management and visitor experience. Assuring full government support, the minister pledged to take any concerns raised by the society to the Chief Minister for prompt resolution.
The 85th Numaish-2026 promises to continue its legacy as a cornerstone of Hyderabad's winter calendar, blending tradition with a vision for a tech-infused future, all while staying true to its core as the city's beloved emotional and commercial rendezvous.
