A jewellery exhibition organised by PIPO in collaboration with Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) was held Friday at the Heritage, Kohima.
Speaking as the guest of honor, adviser to CM and asst vice president, Athletics Federation of India, Abu Metha lauded the organiser for coming up with the exhibition. He said looking back at the forefathers, jewellery and ornaments had always been an intrinsic part of “our” culture and were used to express one’s feelings.
He encouraged the participants to be ambassadors of “our” culture by promoting and preserving our traditional assets. He pointed out that cultural art knows no bound and therefore the young designers could relate “our” stories to the world through their designs and creations. He pointed out that global jewellery industry was worth a whopping USD 500 billion out of which India alone has a share of USD 100 billion.
India and China together shares 30% of the global industry and therefore if Nagaland could tap into a small percentage in that industry it would drastically change the economic situation of the State, Abu said. He encouraged the entrepreneurs to exploit the benefits of social media and utilize it to their full advantage to grow their businesses. He lauded TaFMA for expanding their horizon and moving beyond music and arts into fashion industry and jewellery. He disclosed that despite the challenges government was ready to help out those entrepreneurs who were dedicated. “Meritocracy and hardwork will be rewarded,” he said.
Later officer assigned to Sustainable Development Goals Coordination Centre (SDGCC), department of Planning and Coordination, Kekhrie M Sekhose, highlighted the 3 SDGs that were being adapted at the exhibition. He said SDGCC was looking forward to working with entrepreneurs in the future to attain more SDGs.
The inaugural programme was chaired by Ruopfüzhano Whiso, PIPO founder, Thungchibemo Ezung delivered the welcome address while Mengu Suokhrie presented a special number. Jewellery designer and Mixpick proprietor, Rongsenmongla Jamir shared her experiences on how she started her brand.
Naga brands which took part in the exhibition were Muney, Handmade, Gifted Creations, The Khriezos, Humtsoe Crafts, Menyie Silver Jewellery, Abeila Casket, Berem Jewellery and Mixpick Enterprise.