Imphal: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Manipur Regional Office (NABARD), Imphal in association with Manipur Apex Handloom Weavers and Handicrafts Artisans’ Cooperative Society Limited (AWAS) celebrated ‘Handloom Day’ on Tuesday at the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), Akampat, here.
The day was celebrated on the theme “Handloom: My Pride, Vocal for Local”.
Partha Mandal, general manager/OIC, NABARD, called for celebrating Manipur’s weaving heritage, wearing it with pride and strengthening weavers by choosing locals over mass-produced alternatives. He said the theme reflects both the preservation of heritage and empowerment of families whose livelihoods depend on handloom weaving, adding that the handloom traditions go beyond textiles, embodying the identity, dignity and pride of the people, especially the women who form the backbone of the sector.
“Manipur’s rich cultural fabric is known across the world for its unique handloom products”, he said.
He highlighted NABARD, Manipur regional office’s pivotal role in strengthening the sector through capacity building, skill development, financial assistance, infrastructure and marketing support.
Professor N. Lokendra Singh, vice-chancellor, Manipur University, said Manipur handloom sector has consistently played a vital role in boosting the state’s economy. He praised the exceptional quality, skill and capability of Manipuri weavers, who have brought global recognition in the handloom industry.
He called for collective strategies to expand large-scale production and effectively market the famed Moirang Phee and Wangkhei Phee to captivate international markets.
Dr. Yumnam Jayanta Singh, executive director, NIELIT, said technological advancements will greatly assist weavers in creating designs and marketing their products more effectively. He proposed introducing handloom-based school uniforms in schools and colleges, noting that such an initiative would boost the handloom sector and encourage students to value local craftsmanship. He also suggested incorporating handloom courses into school curriculum.
He assured that NIELIT is prepared to support weavers in all aspects, from training and digitisation to marketing their products.
W. Ibohal Singh, registrar of Cooperative Societies, Government of Manipur, stated that Manipur’s handloom is recognised across the world for its uniqueness and craftsmanship. He noted that according to records, there are 288 handicraft cooperative societies in the state, of which 132 are active, while there are 5,638 handloom cooperative societies with 2,412 currently functioning.
Ibohal emphasised that the state’s economic growth can be achieved only when all grassroots-level cooperative societies work together.
Beauty Mili, assistant director Design, Weavers Service Centre (WSC) Porompat, addressed concerns over the high cost of handloom and handicraft products, explaining that each item is entirely handmade, featuring unique designs and colours in every piece, which makes them time-consuming to produce. She urged designers to understand market trends and demand to make products more affordable for consumers.
Singhajit Singh, managing director of AWAS, delivered a presentation highlighting the history of handloom in Manipur, present scenario of weavers, problems and challenges facing the sector and its potential for growth etc., during the event. An open house discussion was also held to explore ways to support weavers and strengthen the handloom industry.
Three National Weaver Awardees were also felicitated in recognition of their dedication and contributions to the sector- Kangujam Medha Devi, who received the award in 2019 for weaving “Namthang Khut-Hat”; Urikhinbam Bala Devi, awarded in 2013 for weaving “Shaphee Lanphee” and Ningthoujam Ibocha Singh, who received the award in 2018 for weaving “Wangkhei Phee”.
The programme also featured the launch of NABARD’s brochure, inauguration of 15 stalls showcasing various handloom products and a meeting of the Regional Advisory Committee (RAC).
Bendang Aier, deputy general manager, NABARD along with textile designers, cluster development executives, weavers, artisans, stakeholders and experts attended the ceelebration.
