DIMAPUR: A workshop on tribal art and craft was organised by the Tribal Research Institute (TRI), Nagaland, Department of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with the Pochury Students’ Union (PSU), at the Village Council Hall, Meluri, on November 7 as part of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas and Reform Utsav 2026.
According to a DIPR report, the workshop aimed to promote and preserve traditional art forms and indigenous craftsmanship of the Pochury community.
Addressing the gathering, EAC, Meluri, Kumari Pipfusa Pojar, NCS, said the workshop was organised as part of Reform Utsav and highlighted that traditional craftsmanship could also serve as a potential source of income, particularly for students. She encouraged students to actively participate in the workshop, make the best use of the opportunity and preserve and carry forward the traditional knowledge and skills inherited from their forefathers. She also expressed gratitude to the participating artisans for their time, dedication and willingness to share their skills with the younger generation.
Delivering the keynote address, president of the Pochury Students’ Union, Rongley Leyri, stressed the importance of preserving and promoting the community’s cultural heritage, traditions and customary practices passed down through generations.
He said the history, identity and traditional knowledge of the community formed an important part of its legacy, which needed to be cherished and carried forward by the younger generation. He added that the workshop provided students an opportunity to learn traditional arts and crafts, understand their cultural significance and develop a deeper appreciation of their roots and identity.
The workshop featured live demonstrations of three traditional Pochury art and craft practices.
Members of the Pochury Mothers’ Association demonstrated traditional pottery-making, a skill practised by women of Sütsü and Laruri villages. Traditional cotton weaving was demonstrated by the Khumiasü Village Women’s Society, showcasing indigenous weaving techniques and craftsmanship. A bamboo craft demonstration also highlighted the community’s skills in using locally available natural materials to create traditional handicrafts.
Students were also given hands-on opportunities to practise the traditional skills and learn the techniques directly from the artisans.
The programme was chaired by general secretary, Pochury Students’ Union, Tsiarhotho Thsangkhure, while the invocation was pronounced by vice president (Administration), PSU, Chingusie Phojii
