Ningol Chakkouba Handloom Exhibition begins
Let's fix indigenous handloom products as Chakkouba gifts: MLA Arunkumar
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 17 2022:
Wangkhei MLA Th Arunkumar has made a clarion call for using the indigenous handloom products as Ningol Chakkouba gifts instead of giving importance to non-indigenous products.
A 10-day Ningol Chakkouba Handloom Exhibition organised by Manipur Apex Handloom Weavers and Handicrafts Artisans' CS Ltd (AWAZ) commended from Monday at GM Hall, here.
Speaking as the chief guest, MLA Th Arunkumar acknowledged difficulties faced by entrepreneurs as he also used to an entrepreneur.
However, difficulties are necessary to become successful, he said, adding that one should not shy away from consulting with experts and experienced people.
The road to success includes sacrifices, patience and strong determination, he stressed.
Remarking that it is impossible for everyone to hold government jobs especially in a small state like Manipur, the MLA said that the economy cannot be improved if no skill development is provided to enable people especially the youth to become self-employed.
He then said that although efforts were made to market the indigenous handloom products of the state, it was temporarily suspended due to the Covid pandemic.
However, as the situation is now stable, necessary processes are being initiated as is evident from usage of handloom products in government offices, he expressed, adding that target has also been set to replace school uniforms with handloom products.
Nonetheless, even if there is supply of handloom products, all of it would render useless if there is no market, he remarked.
Arunkumar continued that the Ningol Chakkouba is a festival showcasing the strong sibling bonding between sisters and brothers.
Thus, he urged for using indigenous handloom products as gifts for the festival, while appreciating conduct of the exhibition ahead of the festival as a form of marketing platform.
It is everyone's responsibility to promote our indigenous products, he contended, while adding that he would remind the CM of his written request to both the PM and him (CM) for setting up a permanent exhibition centre for the state.
Presided over by AWAS president A Ronika, the inaugural function was also attended by Weavers Service Centre (WSC) deputy director and Head of Operations (HoO) HK Baro; National Handloom Development Corporation Ltd officer in-charge marketing) Y Shantikumar; and District Handloom and Textiles Imphal East project manager (handloom) Th Ibemcha as guests of honour.
In all, 60 stalls are showcasing varied handloom products at the fair.