If there is one thing which is in competition with Arunachal’s natural beauty then it is clearly the varied handloom textiles which are unique to its major as well as sub-tribes numbering more than a hundred. The intricate fabric each speaks volumes about tribal craftsmanship and in a world which values the deftness of handiwork, tribal textiles has the potential to change the economics of rural Arunachal.

Handloom textile is one of the fastest growing markets in the world. And Arunachal bears testimony to its rich and traditional weaving community. There is a huge demand for local products at the national as well as international arena provided it is properly channelized. Need is to bring together weaving communities scattered in rural pockets, so that products can be marketed under one roof. A cooperative movement for traditional textiles will help turnaround their slow decline.

There is a lot that can be learnt from the 50-plus years of struggle and success of well known garment brand- Fabindia, which gave a different perspective for Handloom textiles. John Bissell, the founder of Fabindia, with his unswerving belief in Indian weavers founded the company in 1960. A story of an American who decided to make India as his home, who went around India in search of various hand woven fabrics and who worked with the artisans to design the fabrics as per western tastes to make them exportable.

There is a huge learning lesson from the aforementioned success story. The future of Arunachalee textile will depend on its ability to evolve according to modern taste yet at the same time staying true to its roots.

Evolution and adaptation is the means for survival.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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