Nagaland along with the rest of the country observed National Handloom Day on Monday at the auditorium of Institute for Children Ministry, Toluvi, Dimapur.
The programme was graced by secretary Industries & Commerce, Hushili Sema as the chief guest. The guests of honour was managing director of Nagaland Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation, Hokishe Assumi. Hushili highlighted on the services of the weavers service centre, which was capable of training the people in the field of fly shuttle weaving, dyeing and printing as well as designing of fabrics.
She urged the people of Nagaland especially womenfolk to utilize the service centre to the maximum possible extent. Hushili said weaving in Naga society was practiced traditionally but never at professional level. While calling on the weavers to diversify their products, she also urged them to protect the unique traditional designs and also not to compromise with the quality.
She urged upon the officer-in-charge to organize the national handloom day in other districts instead of organizing in Dimapur each year so as to let the people of other districts also know about the schemes and opportunities.
She also requested the citizens to avail the opportunity that has been provided by the ministry of textiles, government of India for their socio-economic development and to promote handlooms to increase income of the weavers and also to enhance their pride.
Hokishe Assumi urged upon the concern officer in-charge to focus on the grassroot level for certain schemes and programmes introduced by government of India, ministry of textiles so that the department and the society would be benefited.
Calling upon the womenfolk, Assumi encouraged them to grab the opportunity in order to promote their skill. Further, Assumi informed all the general public to obtain Aadhar card to make things faster and easier. Toluvi village council chairman also spoke in the programme.
Earlier, God’s blessing was invoked by faculty, ICM, Agholi V. Tsuqu, while welcome address was delivered by deputy director, weavers service centre, S.T.Subramanian.
It may be noted that the Union Government of India had declared August 7 as the National Handloom Day in July 2015 with the objective to generate awareness about importance of India’s handloom industry.
SASRD Medziphema: National Handloom day was also celebrated at SASRD Nagaland University, Medziphema, Dimapur on August 5, organized by directorate of Field Publicity, Nagaland & Manipur in collaboration with the School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development, Nagaland University, Medziphema & Weavers’ Service Centre, Dimapur with pro vice-chancellor SASRD NU, Medziphema prof. T. Lanusosang as the chief guest.
According to DIPR report, pro vice-chancellor said that handloom weaving was now considered as an art form, considering development of skills and knowledge. The weavers are known for their knowledge, innovation and brilliance in designs. Handloom weaving and related activities were symbolic in the Indian Independence struggle, he said. He considers the spinning wheel as a symbol of revolution. The First Indian Handloom day was celebrated on August 7, 2015 launched by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in Chennai and since then, handloom day is celebrated on August 7 annually. He also added that handloom products of Nagaland has found their way to the national and international markets, whereby awareness and preservation must be created among the younger generation.
The resource person, deputy director, Weavers’ Service Centre, Dimapur, S. T. Subramanian explained the role and functions of textiles besides presenting a power point on handloom of India. The programme also witnessed a quiz competition on handloom of India. The programme was chaired by associate professor, HoD, Horticulture, SASRD, Dr. Pauline Alila, welcome address by Mangjangam Thouthang, IIS, regional director, DFP, Kohima and vote of thanks was proposed by P. Sophie, FPO, DFP.