NEED FOR GLOBAL COLLABORATIONS TO PROMOTE LOCAL GROWTH HIGHLIGHTED
Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA) celebrated 14th World Bamboo Day at NBRC Centre, Sovima, Chumukedima on Monday. On the occasion, chairman NBDA, Nuzota Swuro underscored the international collaborations, particularly with bamboo leaders like Thailand and Vietnam, to enhance skill for local artisans.
He said that in sync with the Hornbill Festival, a workshop on bamboo will be conducted in November to attract bamboo experts from the National Bamboo Mission and beyond.
Swuro also reiterated on the Chief Minister’s bamboo vision and lauded former team leader, late Norman Putsure’s international collaborations and contribution towards the sector.
He emphasised on bamboo resource mapping, and advocated for a comprehensive understanding of bamboo potential with the support from the Planning department.
Principal secretary and Development Commissioner, Government of Nagaland, R Ramakrishnan, who graced the event as special guest, emphasized on the socio-economic potential of bamboo cultivation for Nagaland.
He acknowledged the strength and expertise of the NBDA, hinting at potential new deputations.
He also highlighted the Chief Minister’s initiative of bamboo cultivation in Nagaland’s foothills and the vision to carve specialized development zones, subjected to the requisite funding.
Ramakrishnan further underscored NBDA’s vital role in understanding and promoting the MISO Dharma scheme to benefit Nagaland’s bamboo sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Team Member, NBDA Vezota Khusoh recalled the pursuance for the global collaboration, emphasizing bamboo’s versatility, ecological significance, and economic potential.
Earlier, the programme chaired by Team Leader, NBDA, Dr.Tolto Metha began with a welcome address by Mission Director, NBDA, (IAS) Tarep Imchen and vote of thanks by Team Leader Er. Imkonglemba.
Other highlight of the day included the announcement of Bamboo Entrepreneur Award 2023, won by Proprietor Bamboo Concept, Mhaleu Metha, and Bamboo SHG Award 2023 Yimkum SHG, Aitlanda, Tuli.
Bamboo Concept wins Bamboo Entrepreneur Award
Proprietor of the Bamboo Concept, Mhaleu Metha has been awarded Bamboo Entrepreneur Award 2023. He was selected out of the 100 talented bamboo artisans from across the state.
Founded in 2021, Bamboo Concept has grown leaps and bounds with its novel approach to bamboo crafting. They boasts of innovative products like bamboo electric tricycles, bamboo street lights displayed at the 2022 Hornbill Festival, and bamboo Venetian blinds, to name a few.
Metha’s dedication to his craft was deeply personal. His journey with bamboo began as an ode to his late father, a passionate carpenter. Using skills off passion, was reinforced by a certification course in 2015. Notably, his Electric Bamboo Tricycle V2 has garnered attention with its sustainable frame, a mileage of 45-60 km per charge, and a 120 kg carrying capacity. When asked about his unique standing amidst the competition, Metha emphasized the importance of evolution in craftsmanship. “Being unique is vital. We can’t produce the same table for a decade. Our products have our signature twist, inspired by our training, ensuring they remain simple yet distinct.” He also highlighted the collaboration with NBDA, crediting them for the bamboo harvested through their farming initiatives. However, he expressed concern about the lack of awareness among many artisans who don’t register their firms with the agency.
In a his message to the youth, Metha stressed the value of entrepreneurship over traditional job-seeking. “Chasing fixed-pay jobs limits one’s potential. Entrepreneurship, not just in bamboo but in any sector, offers freedom, passion, and self-direction.”As deserving recipient of the Best Entrepreneur Award 2023, Metha’s journey stood as a testament to originality and tenacity, beckoning the youth to pursue their distinct passions beyond traditional bounds.