IMPHAL, May 16: Handloom Promotion Council, Manipur and Manipur Apex Handloom Weavers & Handicrafts Artisans CS Ltd. jointly released the Manipur Handloom Mark today at a function at Manipur Press Club, Imphal. Asst Director (Design) of Weaver Service Centre of Textile, Porompat, C Rajasekaran was the chief guest.
On the occasion, former deputy director of Manipur Development Society S Inaobi Singh who was the functional president said that handloom products produced in the state are expensive and for promotion of these handloom products at larger markets there is a need to implement a subsidy policy. He said that state handloom products are appreciated and liked in different parts of the world.
During the keynote address, chief functionary of HPCM, Chingtam Luwang, mentioned that at the melas and handloom expos, handloom products from Manipur received many positive feedbacks and many times visitors asked questions about their origin. To cope with the issue, he said, a handloom convention was conducted and a committee formed on June 30, 2013.
He mentioned that the ancient Manipuri script ‘Panthoibi Khong-gul’, had mentioned that Goddess Panthoibi weaved the design of a cob web or spider’s web and the concept has been depicted in the Manipur Handloom Mark.
He said that from now on every handloom product of the state will bear the mark and the body has already stated distributing the logo to the weavers.
Rajasekaran said that having a customised logo will be beneficial during participation in inter-state handloom expos and melas. He said the state is the first in the entire country to adopt a customised logo and the new arrangement will surely contribute positively for the welfare of the state weavers as a whole.
President of Manipur Apex handloom Weavers & Handicrafts Artisans C.S. Ltd, M Seityabhama Devi also attended the function as guest of honour.