Rio inaugurates Emporium Complex, unveils unity shawl

State chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio inaugurated the new multi-storey building of the Nagaland state emporium complex opposite Old NST Station here on Friday.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, the chief minister said that state emporiums were pride of the state and stressed inauguration of building fulfilled a long-standing need.
Dr. Rio also described the emporium as a representation of the identity of different tribal communities. “Nagaland is known as the land of festivals. We are rich in culture and tradition, and the concerned departments must work together to promote these through various schemes,” he said.
Appreciating everyone involved in making the new building a reality, the chief minister reiterated that the Nagaland state emporium symbolized the state’s image and pride.
He said that Nagaland, with its 17 major tribes and numerous sub-tribes, showcases unity in diversity through its vibrant traditional attire for both men and women.
“The emporium is the identity of all our different tribes,” Dr. Rio said.
The chief minister pointed out that Nagaland possessed immense talent and heritage, with every piece of craftsmanship reflecting the spirit of ancestors and rich cultural traditions.
He urged the department of industries, Nagaland handloom & handicrafts, women resource department, and stakeholders to collaborate in bringing forward those initiatives.
Dr.Rio stressed the importance of preserving the originality of Naga culture and traditions. “We are a proud people, and as a state, we have protected, promoted, and commercialized our heritage thus far,” he said.
Further, the chief minister underscored the need to document tribal traditions, including food and clothing, ensuring that such documentation was done with the approval of the respective tribes.
Dr. Rio also spoke about significance of promoting traditional Naga cuisine, citing annual Naga Chef competition as an example of such efforts. “While preserving our culture and drawing inspiration from it, we must not lose its originality. The essence must remain intact,” he said.
He suggested that local expert weavers and stakeholders form a committee to produce samples of each tribe’s traditional attire, which should then be approved by tribal leaders before being sold.
The chief minister raised concerns over the quality of traditional clothing available in the market, saying many products did not meet expected standards.
“This year’s Hornbill Festival will be grander, with invitations extended to celebrities and world-renowned leaders. We hope Nagaland becomes the most visited tourist state, so we must ensure consistent supply and sufficient production to meet demand,” he said.
He stressed the importance of quality checks in traditional wear, as they represented Nagaland’s image, especially when taken home by tourists.
Encouraging cooperation among departments and stakeholders, Dr. Rio urged both men and women to engage in weaving and supply. He cited the availability of the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Scheme for those interested in starting their businesses.
The chief minister said it was time to bring Naga women back into weaving and explore ways to improve their livelihoods through weaving.
Describing emporium as an advertisement for the state, the chief minister said Nagaland had been allotted space in Guwahati for another emporium, but no progress has been made. He suggested private agencies or individuals to take up the task. Dr. Rio also proposed a grand emporium at Dimapur airport.
Earlier, NHHDC Ltd, Dimapur chairman Prasielie Pienyii, delivering welcome address, informed that the project was initiated in 2013 by the chief minister and that its inauguration marked a significant milestone in the history of the Nagaland Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation.
Currently, the corporation operates seven emporiums—one each in Delhi and Kolkata, and five in Nagaland (Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung, Tuensang, and Phek).
The newly inaugurated complex has seven floors, housing the state emporium on the first floor, three shopping floors, a restaurant, a library, and a well-furnished conference hall with two guest rooms. The project, constructed by M/S Avituo and Company under the supervision of the Engineering Wing of the Industries and Commerce Department, cost Rs. 11.25 crore.
NHHDC Ltd, Dimapur managing director Er. Y. Lipongse Thongtsar, whiling proposing vote of thanks, informed that the documentation of traditional clothing and food from all Naga tribes was underway and would be completed soon.
Earlier, the chief minister unveiled the inauguration monolith engraved at the entrance of the building.
On the occasion, chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio and advisor industries and commerce Hekani Jakhalu also unveiled unity shawl for both man and woman.
The unity tribe shawl indicates that Nagaland State is blessed with rich ethnic diversity of 17 major
tribes and these different tribes have their own unique traditional attires and ornaments with every tribe having their unique traditional shawls.
However, there is no common shawl which helps identity the Nagas in general. Hence the idea of launching the Naga Unity Shawl for both men and women assembled with Naga Motifs representing Naga identity came into light.
Naga Unity Shawls for both men and women are first produced at Weaving Production Centre, NHHDC Ltd, Dimapur, Nagaland.
The Men’s shawl has three panels – Top and bottom panels consist of Black, Red and white stripes of different sizes. The colour combination in unity shawl includes commonly found in all the Naga men’s shawls-Black and Red being the dominant colours.
The middle panel is white with black line on the border where different design motifs are painted/embroidered commonly used which represents all the Naga tribes.
The Women’s shawl has one panel with three sections– Top and bottom sections are multi-coloured stripes, a blend of all the colours commonly used by Naga women, designed to give a modern, harmonious look, signifying unity among the diverse Naga tribes.
The middle section/portion is white on which different motif designs are embroidered/painted, mainly inspired from traditional ornaments, crafts and the various aspects of Naga women’s skills and beauty.