NABARD observes Handloom Day
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, September 23 2025: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Manipur Regional Office (NABARD), Imphal in association with Manipur Apex Handloom Weavers and Handicrafts Artisans' Cooperative Society Limited (AWAS) celebrated 'Handloom Day' today at the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT), Akampat, Imphal.

The programme was held on the theme "Handloom: My Pride, Vocal for Local", celebrating the tireless contributions of the handloom sector.

Speaking at the event, Partha Mandal, General Manager/OIC, NABARD, called for celebrating Manipur's weaving heritage, wearing it with pride and strengthening weavers by choosing locals over mass-produced alternatives.

He said the theme reflects both the preservation of heritage and empowerment of families whose livelihoods depend on handloom weaving.

He described the handloom industry as a symbol of art istry, resilience and self-reliance.

Attending the event, Professor N Lokendra Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Manipur University, asserted that Manipur's handloom sector has consistently played a vital role in boosting the state's economy.

Despite their expertise, he observed that the weavers have yet to reach their full potential and stressed the need to identify the underlying challenges.

The Vice Chancellor called for collective strategies to expand large-scale production and effectively market the famed Moirang Phee and Wangkhei Phee to captivate international markets.

He expressed confidence that public participation and collaborative efforts will strengthen the handloom sector and support economic sustainability.

Dr Yumnam Jayanta Singh, Executive Director, NIELIT, in his speech, stated that technological advancements will greatly assist weavers in creating designs and marketing their products more effectively.

Taking part in the programme, W Ibohal Singh, Registrar of Cooperative So cieties appealed to AWAS to explore ways in which the products of these cooperative societies could be used in schools and colleges across the State, adding that such initiatives would provide crucial support to weavers and artisans and give them a platform to showcase their skills and capabilities.

Beauty Mili, Assistant Director Design, Weavers Service Centre (WSC) Porompat, addressed concerns over the high cost of handloom and handicraft products.

Singhajit Singh, Managing Director of AWAS, delivered a presentation highlighting the history of handloom in Manipur.

Three National Weaver Awardees were also felicitated in recognition of their dedication and contributions to the sector- Kangujam Medha Devi, who received the award in 2019 for weaving "Namthang Khut-Hat"; Urikhinbam Bala Devi, awarded in 2013 for weaving "Shaphee Lanphee" and Ningthoujam Ibocha Singh, who received the award in 2018 for weaving "Wangkhei Phee".

The programme also featured the launch of NABARD's brochure, inauguration of 15 stalls showcasing various handloom products and a meeting of the Regional Advisory Committee (RAC).

Bendang Aier, Deputy General Manager, NABARD along with textile designers, cluster development executives, weavers, artisans, stakeholders and experts attended the celebration.

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