Shillong, Jan, 28: The College of Community Science, Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, in collaboration with ICAR-NINFET
Kolkata, ICAR-CICR Nagpur, Deendayal Research Institute, and ICAR-CRIJAF Barrackpore inaugurated the three-day National Symposium on Threads of Heritage: Exploring Textiles and Natural Fibres today at the College of Post-Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (CPGSAS), Umiam, Barapani. The event, scheduled from January 27 to 29, 2025, aims to highlight the rich legacy of textiles and natural fibers in India while fostering discussions on sustainable innovations in the textile sector.
Dr. Jyoti V. Vastrad, Dean of the College of Community Science, CAU, Imphal, welcomed the esteemed guests and participants, outlining the symposium’s objectives and expected outcomes. A key highlight of the event is the anticipated presence of the Honourable Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Kongkal Sangma, who has been invited as the Chief Guest for the inaugural session. His participation is expected to bring greater visibility to the rich textile heritage of the region and reinforce the importance of sustainable textile practices in contemporary society.
The inaugural function was graced by Shri Conrad Kongkal Sangma, Honourable Chief Minister of Meghalaya, as the Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasized the significance of preserving indigenous textile traditions and promoting sustainable practices to benefit artisans and the textile industry. He lauded the organizers for bringing together experts, academicians, and artisans on a common platform.
The event witnessed an inspiring gathering of dignitaries, including MLA Smt. Archana Chitnis who is representing Burhanpur (Vidhan Sabha constituency) Madhya Pradesh and has served as Minister of Education of the state. In her address, Hon’ble MLA Smt.
Archana ji commended the Chief Minister for his remarkable efforts in advancing the Jal Jeevan Mission. She expressed her gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, acknowledging his pivotal role in fostering innovative practices in Mahua Pradesh. Under his leadership, she noted, agriculture and nutrition were seamlessly connected, driving progress in the field of nutrition.
Archana proudly highlighted India’s significant contributions to the world, stating that as Indians, we can take pride in laying the foundations of civilization. “Without us, the world would not have experienced the sweetness of taste,” she remarked. She also spoke passionately about India’s rich heritage in textiles, metallurgy, and shipping, emphasizing how these traditions have flourished across various regions. She highlighted the historical, traditional, and technological importance of Indian textiles, particularly in spinning, weaving,
dyeing, and printing, which have earned India global recognition. Comparing natural fibers to synthetics, she underscored the vast difference in quality and cost, emphasizing the need for innovation to make traditional textiles more cost-effective. Archana also praised the artisans
for their creativity and for bringing unique styles to Indian textiles, further strengthening the country’s legacy.
Addressing questions about her presence, she replied, “Rather than asking why I am here, ask yourself why you are here.” She explained that her presence was to be remembered and to reinforce the vision of Honorable Prime Minister Modi Ji, who transformed the “Look East” policy into the “Act East” approach. She concluded by stating, “To truly act east, one must be present here.”
Shri Atul Jain, General Secretary of Deen Dayal Research Institute as Guest of Honour of the symposium along with artisans, weavers, researchers, and investors from across the country. In his speech, Shri Nanaji Deshmukh reflected on the great legacy left by our ancestors. He emphasized the importance of indigenous and traditional wisdom passed down by our elders, which he deeply valued throughout his life. He highlighted the holistic model of development, inspired by the philosophy of integral humanism propounded by Pandit
Deendayal Upadhyaya, as a guiding principle for progress.
Shri Nanaji Deshmukh firmly believed that traditional wisdom was truly sustainable and had the potential to bring the long-elusive happiness that people have been seeking for years. His words resonated with the audience, encouraging them to embrace and preserve the wisdom of their heritage for a better and more fulfilling future.
The event was presided over by Dr. Anupam Mishra, Honourable Vice-Chancellor of CAU, Imphal, who highlighted the importance of research and innovation in the textile industry. He emphasized the untapped potential of Northeast India’s resources, such as fibers derived from banana pseudostems, ramie, jute, sisal, flax, and pineapple leaf fiber, for eco-fashion and technical textiles.This symposium seeks to unite experts, researchers, and entrepreneurs to promote innovation and sustainability in this vital sector.
As part of the inaugural program, several artisans were felicitated for their outstanding contributions to preserving and promoting traditional textile arts. The honored artisans include:
1. Mrs. Oman Siram Taki hails from Rani Village in the East Siang District of
Arunachal Pradesh
2. Padmashri Hemoprova Chutia, an acclaimed Indian handloom weaver and artist
from Moran, Dibrugarh district, Assam
3. Smt. Champa Sonowal, hailing from Borbam Kachari, Bordoloni Block, Dhemaji, Assam, belongs to the Kachari community of Assam.
4. Smt. Kanmai Payun, an accomplished artist from the Mishing community of Majuli, Assam,
5. Ngairangbam Ibempishak Devi, a resident of Malom Tulihal, Imphal West, Manipur
6. Smt. Anita Koch, from Dakhopgre, Tura, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya
7. Smt. Prosati Koch, a master artisan from Gasura Gaon, Meghalaya
8. Smt. Daisy Christine G. Momin, a 59-year-old artisan from Tura, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya
9. Smt. Efredena R. Marak, an accomplished artisan from New Tura, Matchakolgre, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya
10. SMT. IAINEH KHYMDEIT hails from Mowlong Nongtluh, Ribhoi district Meghalaya
11. SRI REJINALD KHIANGTE from Khliehriat, East Jaintia hills
12. Sri Pynbhalang Tmung hails from Ribhoi, Meghalaya.
13. SMT. PATRICIA ZADENG is a textile designer from Aizawl, Mizoram
14. Smt. Devi Kala Gurung is an artisan from Begha West Sikkim
15. Prosati Koch from south west garo hills
16. Hemari Devbarma, Tripura
Also felicitated 4 FPO as follows
Sadolpara and Adugre Village farmer groups, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya Darechigre Village, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya SHG Federation Yorura Village P.O Chozuba District: Pek, Nagaland for the unique villages in the West Garo hills district of Meghalaya known for their traditional lifestyle, preserving unique customs and practices that revolve around their deep respect for nature and ancestral traditions The farmers of Sadolpara are predominantly cultivating and conserving more than 35 traditional crops along with unique Comilla cotton under traditional mixed cropping system. The Cotton landrace cultivated in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya is renowned as Comilla Cotton or Garo Cotton. Darechigre, a satellite village of the College of Community Science, Tura, has successfully formed a group dedicated to producing Comilla cotton-based products, including ear buds, sanitary napkins, and surgical cotton. The federation is dedicated to conserving and promoting Gossypium barbadense cotton, which was originally planted by their great-grandparents. They have set up facilities for spinning,
natural dyeing, and weaving within their village, successfully producing and selling a variety of cotton-based products.
The symposium will serve as a significant platform for scholars, researchers, and industry experts to discuss the cultural, economic, and scientific dimensions of textiles and natural fibers. It aims to explore traditional weaving techniques, innovations in textile production,
sustainable fabric development, and the socio-economic impact of textiles on indigenous communities. The event was concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Anupama Mishra, Professor & Head, Department of Textile and Apparel Designing, College of Community
Science, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Tura, Meghalaya.
