Gandhi Shilp Bazar opens in Dimapur

A seven-day Gandhi Shilp Bazar was inaugurated at Urban Haat, Dimapur, on Tuesday, organised by the Handicraft Service Centre, Kohima, under the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and sponsored by the Government of Nagaland.
The bazar features 40 stalls showcasing the work of weavers and artisans from across the North Eastern states, aimed at promoting traditional crafts and providing market exposure to local entrepreneurs.
Delivering keynote address, Y. Lipongse Thongtsar, Managing Director of Nagaland Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd. and additional director, Directorate of Industries & Commerce, stressed the importance of collective effort in strengthening the handloom and handicrafts sector.
Thongtsar categorised entrepreneurs into two groups—those who produce their own goods and those who source finished products for resale—and emphasised the need to empower weavers, who form the backbone of the industry. He urged participants to work with sincerity and dedication, and to make effective use of government schemes and programmes for sustainable development.
He further called for greater awareness of these schemes to ensure that benefits reach the grassroots level, adding that cooperation, commitment, and informed participation are key to sustaining the sector’s relevance in a changing market.
Special guest Jesmina Zeliang, COA Member & Convener of the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (NER) and Co-Chairman of the Handicrafts & Carpet Sector Skill Council (HCSSC), drew from her 32 years of experience to highlight challenges and opportunities in the sector. She underscored the importance of marketing, capacity building, and infrastructure development, with marketing being the top priority for producer-entrepreneurs.
Zeliang informed that the North Eastern region has over 26 lakh weavers, including 8,000 elite workers, while Nagaland alone has nearly 40,000 registered weavers and 7,000 elite workers. She stressed the need for strategic positioning and pricing to ensure competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.
National Awardee (2001) in Wood and Bamboo Craft, Alem Longkumar, shared his personal journey as an entrepreneur, recounting the challenges faced in accessing markets and resources. He encouraged young artisans to remain committed to their craft and to utilise government schemes and training programmes to build sustainable livelihoods.
Biswajit Das, Assistant Director (Handloom), Weavers Service Centre, Dimapur, also addressed the gathering, while Rima Sonar, Assistant Director (H), HSC Kohima, gave an introduction and overview of the programme.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Rajib Ch. Roy, Handicrafts Promotion Officer, Aizawl, Mizoram.