Shillong, Aug 6: The Department of Textiles, celebrated the 8th National Handloom Day at the Umden-Diwon Eri Silk Village on Saturday.
The highlight of the function was the inauguration of the Design, Innovation & Resource Centre, (DIRC) at Umden-Diwon, Raid Nongtluh, Ri-Bhoi District.
The DIRC was setup with a focus on four components – Ahimsa Silk, Organic Dyes, Women Centric and Global presence aspects.
The Chief Guest, Minister of Textiles Banteidor Lyngdoh, while inaugurating the DIRC appreciated the vision of the department which was setup with a view, to build and create a centre for showcasing the indigenous designs developed by the local weavers in the state
The chief guest also hoped that the DIRC would emerge as a repository and inventory of various handloom samples and designs available at the First Eri Silk village.
F. R. Kharkongor, Commissioner & Secretary, Textiles in his keynote address highlighted on how the DIRC can emerge as a setup to showcase and establish market linkages between the village and the outside world, leveraging on the Department of Textiles unique Ryndia brand with tagline “From Thread to Trendâ€, anchored on the motto “Rooted in Nature, Connected to Cultureâ€.
The Commissioner & Secretary expressed hope that the DIRC should contribute substantially towards, meeting the aspirations of the weavers, spinners, not only of the Umden-Diwon first Eri Silk village, but would also prove immensely beneficial to the neighboring villages of Raid Nongtluh in terms of capacity building, design upscalling, financial assistance, promotion, selling and marketing, while also integrating the sector with the latest technologies in the Handloom and Textiles sectors.
Other technical resource persons dwelt on aspects such as visual merchandising of interior to create inspiring spaces, designing & creation of various sections (Cocoon, spinning, reeling, dyeing and designing, weaving, exhibition space, documentations & Archival, conference and workshop space), Training of in-house human resource for ongoing visual mode, aspects such as Organic dye, Ahimsa Silk, women centric and global presence, allowing users to view and learn about the Eri Weavers and their craft, giving users an opportunity to understand of the processes and products involved, and to enhance the visitors experience of viewing information through the use of a variety of displays in regard to Meghalaya’s Unique Ryndia.
On the occasion of the 8th National Handloom Day, the Chief Guest and other dignitaries honoured and recognized the leading handloom production houses such as Kiniho, Zong I Hi, Nangcwa, Ri Last, Sailum and Eri Weaves for their contribution to the Handloom sector in the state by instilling pride amongst their weavers and bringing honour to the state through their exquisite weaving craftsmanship.
A vibrant traditional costume displays and colourful exhibition were the other highlights of the 8th National Handloom Day which was celebrated in the state. Earlier in the day as part of the HarGharTiranga the National Tri Colour was unfurled at the venue amidst the enthusiastic flag waving of the various participants and weavers in support of the HarGharTiranga Campaign.
