Leirum Lengyan to be used in state functions: Kh Ibomcha
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 12 2022:
Informing that Chief Minister N Biren has issued instructions for usage of 'Leirum Lengyan' (Traditional muffler/Scan), which is closely related to the state's culture and tradition and also has been worn multiple times by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in various events, in all state functions and programmes of political parties that are part of the ruling government; Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited chairman Kh Ibomcha urged the weavers of the state to try and produce the Leirum Lengyan in the most beautiful way possible, adding that Corporation will be using all of which had been produced.
The State Handloom Expo 2022-23 organised by Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited under the sponsorship of Development Commissioner (Handloom), Ministry of Textiles, culminated at GM Hall here on Monday.
Speaking as Chief guest of the closing function, Kh Ibomcha expressed that in sync with CM Biren;s initiative to promote local products weavers need to consult with the officials of the Corporation with regard to mass production of the cloth and also on the matter of the design of Kanglasha (mythical animal of Manipur).
He assured that the Corporation will utilise all of the scarves produced.
The chairman further said that the CM has taken up measures to provide a platform for the weavers and artisans of the state to showcase their products.
The table covers, cushion covers and curtains in the CM's office have been replaced by handloom products of the state and similar initiative is being taken up in offices of other cabinet ministers.
Additionally, designs of Sangai, Sagol Kangjei and Shirui Lily could be embroidered, while also ensuring the products are of good quality and affordable.
Mentioning about various expos which have been held across the country and abroad including Myanmar and Bangladesh; Ibomcha said that a proposal will soon be submitted to ascertain what benefits could be availed by the weavers of the state.
He then urged for public support and cooperation with regard to organising Handloom melas/expos outside India, thereby helping to increase the income of the weavers of the state.
In his speech, Weavers Services Centre assistant director M Ibohal informed that an online marketing portal called E-silk Mark' will soon be launched under the sponsorship of Development Commissioner (Handloom), Ministry of Textiles.
After registering with the portal, individual weavers or societies can market their varied products via online.
So far, 10 producer companies and NGOs have been registered.
Anyone interested can avail the details from the Centre's office, he added.
The director then said that the call for national awards for weavers will soon commence and nominations can be filed at the office.
The previous criteria for Sant Kabir Award have also been relaxed from this year and interested weavers can apply for the same, he conveyed.
Addressing the gathering, Corporation's managing director E Jiten suggested using the products at one's own home before worrying about the lack of a market so as to reduce dependence on non-indigenous products and further cultivate the habit of using the products produced indigenously and readily available in the state.
The valedictory function was also attended by handloom national awardee K Medha, who shared her experiences.