GI registration process for 'Senga' begins: Lamlee
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 29 2023: Steps for getting GI registration for 'Senga', an indigenous bell metal product used widely in early period as decorated items in social and religious functions but rarely seen or used nowadays, has been initiated while the directorate has been working towards enhancing the spirit of bell metal artisans, stated handloom and textiles director Lamlee Kamei.

Attending as chief guest of the closing function of the 14-day workshop cum training programme on bell metal organised by Manipur Handloom & Handicraft Development Corporation Limited, Lamlee Kamei said that 'Senga' is an indigenous hand-made bell metal product used widely in Manipur in the past but rarely seen nowadays.

To revive the indigenous handicraft item and encourage those making it, the directorate has initiated several steps including GI registration for 'Senga' and encouraging 'Senga' makers, he said, adding that GI registration process for 'Senga' began from the year 2019.While stating that there will be benefit in making unique indigenous handicraft items as decorative and gift items, Lamlee appealed to artisans to make such items.

Many indigenous craft items used widely in the past could not be seen nowadays and artisans have stopped making those items.

'Pukham Natri/Nayatpi' widely used by Kabui community in the past is another indigenous craft item facing extinction and unable to find nowadays as this item was used in funeral of eldest member in a Kabui family.

This tradition, however, has stopped nowadays due to unavailability of the item, he said, adding that there certainly is specific reason for use of every indigenous craft items and revival of such items is very much required.

Manipur Handloom & Handicraft Development Corporation Limited managing director E Jiten, who also attended the function organised under the aegis of the directorate of handloom & textiles, said that the indigenous bell metal craft products are vanishing nowadays but revival of these craft items will be beneficial for artisans apart from preserving culture.

He said that the directorate and the corporation will help artisans in making market sheds and procurement of necessary tools and equipment.

At the end of the closing function, trainees were provided honorarium and participation certificates.

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