Handloom Promotion Day, 2012 observed
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 01 2012: The Handloom Promotion Council, Manipur and the Apex Handloom Weaver and Handicrafts Artisans Cooperation Society Limited jointly organized the 13th Handloom Promotion Day, 2012 at Kuki Inn here today.

On the occasion, the Extra Edge School, Sagolband was presented with the Handloom Promotion Award for the year 2012 for its exclusive use of the Manipuri handloom clothes by its students and staffs.

23 weavers, including both male and female, were also awarded the prestigious award on the occasion.

The function was graced by O Nabakishore, Principal Secretary of Commerce and Industries, Government of Manipur; V Twalthang, Director of Commerce and Industries, Government of Manipur and H Rajendra, former Assistant Director of Weaver Service Centre, Ministry of Textiles as Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.

Speaking as the Chief Guest of the observance, Nabakishore said that handloom and handicrafts have been a part and parcel of Manipuri society and it has been associated with Manipuris since time immemorial.

He pointed out that the State government has been trying to improve the handloom and handicrafts of the state keeping in mind the changing time.

As such, the need for initiating an advance handloom in the state has become the need of the hour.

For the improvement of handloom and handicrafts in the state, the State government has forwarded a Rs 10 crore project proposal to the Ministry of Textiles.

If the project is approved by the Ministry, it will be of great help to the weavers of the state in solving all their problems.

He also lamented over fading away of using traditional Manipuri "Phanek" among the womenfolk of the state just as the traditional Japanese "Kimono" is losing its importance in Japanese society and said that we need to develop suitable design and make it popular once again.

Delivering the Presidential speech, V Tualthang said that it is a good sign that male weavers have also come out with the aim to promote handloom and handicrafts products in the state.

Salam Ching-Tam Luwang, Chief Functionary of Handloom Promotion Council, Manipur while delivering the key note address informed that the Handloom day is being celebrated in the state since 2000 with the motive of developing the economy of the weavers.

In this connection, the Council has been pressing for a separate Directorate for the development of handloom and handicrafts in the state.

A memorandum has also been submitted to the present government in this regard, he added.

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