Suchitra Ella Appointed as Honorary Advisor to Andhra Pradesh Government

The Andhra Pradesh government has appointed Smt. Suchitra Ella, a Padma Bhushan awardee and Co-Founder & Managing Director of Bharat Biotech, as the Honorary Advisor for Handlooms & Handicrafts Development. This honorary position comes with a Cabinet rank and is valid for an initial period of two years or until the role is deemed unnecessary. The appointment underscores her significant contributions to entrepreneurship and innovation in India, particularly through Bharat Biotech, the maker of the indigenous COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin.

Key Responsibilities in the New Role
As Honorary Advisor, Suchitra Ella will provide strategic guidance to enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of Andhra Pradesh's handloom and handicraft sectors. Her responsibilities include:

• Advising on policies to boost market access, attract investments, and integrate eco-friendly production methods.
• Recommending financial assistance strategies for artisans and MSMEs.
• Promoting digitization, blockchain traceability, and e-commerce platforms for artisan products.
• Strengthening Geographical Indication (GI) tagging and intellectual property rights for unique crafts.
• Supporting skill training programs that combine traditional knowledge with modern techniques.

Background on Suchitra Ella
Suchitra Ella is widely recognized for her entrepreneurial achievements and contributions to India's healthcare sector. Alongside her husband, Dr. Krishna Ella, she co-founded Bharat Biotech, which played a pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic by developing Covaxin. Her leadership at Bharat Biotech has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan award.

Broader Contributions
In addition to her new advisory role, Ella was recently included in the 24-member board of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which oversees one of the world's richest Hindu temples. Her inclusion reflects her growing influence beyond the corporate sector into public service and cultural preservation.

This appointment highlights her diverse expertise and commitment to fostering innovation while preserving traditional industries like handlooms and handicrafts.