Handloom Day celebrated
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 01 2012:
In all 24 weavers/artisans were conferred with the Handloom Promotion awards on the occasion of the 13th Handloom Day celebration organised by Handlooms Promotion Council at Kuki inn today.
The event was held with Principal Secretary (Commerce & Industries) O Nabakishore Singh, Director (Com & Ind) V Twalthang and Retd Assistant Director of Weavers Service Centre, Ministry of Textiles H /rajendra Singh as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Speaking as the chief guest (IAS) Nabakishore noted with delight that Manipuri artisans have earned a reputation for their innovative design and pattern but expressed concern that the weavers are faced with huge challenge for the common people prefer Chinese-made cheaper cloth items exported from Moreh side.
Conveying that the Industry Department is committed to protect and promote interest of the local weavers, the Principal Secretary said details of a Rs 10 crore project are being worked out for submission to the Central Government.
Further noting that traditional clothing such as Phanek and Khudei have been the main products and source of income for the local weavers/artisans, Nabakishore emphasised on the need to make the traditional items not only comfortable for wearing but also more fashionable in order to sustain the market.
Stating that keeping abreast with the present trend is a necessity for the handloom industry to survive, he suggested that the local weavers also focus on developing new designs and patterns to suit modern-day requirements failing which the artisans would face significant challenge in marketing their products.
Nabakishore further informed that in the upcoming Sangai Festival slated from November 24 till 27, handloom and handicraft stalls would be set up in the interest of the State artisans.
Moreover, there would be fashion show during the closing ceremony of the Festival where local products would be exclusively put on display, added the chief guest.