‘My handloom my pride’

August 8, 2022 59 Views No Comment

State Handloom Expo 2022 underway in Kohima

Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 8

A two week long State Handloom Expo 2022 under the theme “My handloom my pride’ got underway here today at Gorkha Public Panchayat Hall, Chandmari, Kohima.

Organized by Nagaland Apex Weavers & Artisans Co-operative Federation Ltd, Dimapur (WEAFED) and sponsored by office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, New Delhi, this expo will continue till August 20 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.

This expo which coincides with the 8th National Handloom Day, which falls on August 7, features 60 stalls from Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.

Symbol of rich, varied cultural heritage
Gracing the inaugural function of the expo as the special guest, Kusa Fithu, joint secretary, Cooperation Department, Government of Nagaland said that handloom sector is a symbol of our country’s rich and varied cultural heritage and is an important source of livelihood in rural and semi-rural parts of the country.

“It is also a sector that directly addresses women empowerment with over 70% of all weavers and allied workers being female,” she said.

Fithu said that Swadeshi movement which was launched on August 7, 1905 had encouraged indigenous industries and in particulars handloom weavers in 2015.

The Government of India has decided to designate August 7 every year as National Handloom Day.

The first National Handloom day was launched in Chennai on August 7 in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“On this day, we honour our handloom weaving community and highlight the contribution of this sector in the socio-economic development of our country,” she said adding “Therefore, we reaffirm to protect our handloom weavers and instilling pride in their exquisite craftsmanship.”

WEAFED request public to visit expo
WEAFED managing director Gwaruno Khing requested the public to visit the expo and encourage the local weavers and artisans “so that they can use their skills effectively.”

WEAFED has joined the rest of the country in celebrating 8th National Handloom Day to propagate the importance of handloom industry in the country, Khing said.

He encouraged the citizens to recognize the contribution of the local weavers towards promotion of handloom and socio-economic growth.

Meanwhile, Nagaland’s higher education and tribal affairs minister Temjen Imna Along took to the Instagram platform in challenging the public to support the local weavers and “support ethnicity.”

“Handloom sector is an embodiment of self- reliance and women empowerment,” he posted on the popular photo sharing app.

As we celebrate the occasion of National Handloom Day, let us appreciate the role of our local artisans and craftsmen in taking our great cultural legacy ahead, Along added.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/my-handloom-my-pride