IMPHAL, August 1: Handloom and handicraft can help in the economic growth of the State. It can also provide opportunities for self-employment as there are no big industries in the State, said Govindas Konthoujam.
The minister for Commerce and Industry of the State was speaking on the 15th Handloom Foundation Day today at the GM Hall, Imphal, organised by Handloom Promotion Council, Manipur with support from Manipur Apex Handloom Weavers and Handicrafts Artisans CS Limited, Imphal.
During the function 37 artisans for promoting handlooms were felicitated.
Besides Govindas, the function was also graced by B John Tlangtinkkhuma, IAS, Director, Commerce and Industries and H Rajendra Singh, Retd, Assistant Director of Weavers’ Service Centre, Ministry of Textiles.
Govindas also added that in the coming 16th foundation day, the department is planning an exhibition of different handlooms and handicrafts of our diverse ethnic cultures. Alongside, the government is also taking up several projects by giving training to interested people in handloom and handicraft.
He further said that the Govt of India has implemented textiles promotion scheme only for the Northeastern States in which Manipur plays a key role in getting such schemes.
He appealed to all the artisans and weavers to work hard and bring out more products in order to promote it outside the State, and so that they represent our identity.
While delivering the keynote address, Salam Chingtam Luwang, chief functionary, Handlooms Promotion Council Manipur said that the main objective of the function was to promote economic integration so that all the ethnic communities of the State can work together as one. He added that each individual must bring out their potential in different ways.
Talking to IFP, the youngest weaver who was facilitated, Wakongthem Dinesh Singh, 19, from Thoubal Leishangthem Leikai, said that he has been helping his sister since he was 10 years.
He said he is currently studying in class 12 and after completing his studies, he wishes to start his own business.
Dinesh said that people should not look for government jobs only, as there are many ways to earn a livelihood, so long as one is creative and hardworking.