Buy local this Diwali call issued
Source: The Sangai Express / PIB
Imphal, November 13 2020:
Support to local handicrafts, artisans and small traders during the festival season will strengthen local, State and National economy and further the cause of creating a self reliant (Atmanirbhar) Nation.
These views were expressed at the webinar on 'Buy Local this Diwali' organized by Press Information Bureau and Regional Outreach Bureau, Imphal today.
In his welcome address, Additional Director General (NE Region), Ministry of In-formation and Broadcasting SN Pradhan said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a clarion call to buy local products.
He pointed out that the rich handicrafts of the country and especially the North East region are already world famous and "some conscious support from our side will go a long way p help the poor artisans and traders by strengthening them economically".
He called upon the media to highlight these issues so that people are conscious while making their day to day purchases.
Maibam Surjamala Devi, Designer, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts gave an overview of the efforts being taken up by the State for promoting the locally made products.
She said that much more needs to be done to counter the effects of strong marketing muscle of industrial and im-ported goods.
Speaking on the occasion, Thingbaijam Dhamen, senior journalist said that local festivals like Ningol Chakkouba see a lot of gaiety and spending in every households.
"This is an appropriate time to highlight our rich traditions and to discourage buying imported gifts," he said.
Although Manipur has few big industries, it does have a huge variety of textile and bamboo products which can be used as very good gifts, he said adding that these products are of a very high quality and deserve to be promoted actively.
In his concluding remarks, Abhishek Dayal, Director, PIB Imphal said that the need for support to the local artisans is threefold: the products are not harmful to the users unlike many mass-produced things; it strengthens the local, State and National economy; and it "instils a sense of pride in our rich and diverse culture".
He pointed out that the silks of the North cast were famous all over the world even during Mughal times and that the unique bamboo products like Manipuri tiffins often become a subject of National discussion.
He said that media and the officials need to work together to help in marketing local products even on online platforms.
Over 30 media persons, officials of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and experts from handicraft sector attended the webinar.