Ziro, Aug 7: The Centre and state governments are on mission mode to revive and rejuvenate the traditional handloom and handicraft industry, said Minister for Textiles & Handicrafts, Industry and Skill Development, Nyato Dukam here today.
​Inaugurating the 10th National Handloom Day celebrations organized by the Department of Textiles & Handicrafts in collaboration with Weavers’ Service Centre, Itanagar and Development Commissioner (Handlooms) under NHDP, Ministry of Textiles at Abotani Hall here today, the Minister said the Narendra Modi government had initiated the process of revival and rejuvenation of the traditional handloom and handicraft industry in 2015 with an aim to integrate the traditional tribal artisans and weavers with the mainstream textile and handicraft industry. 
“Similarly, the state government led by chief minister Pema Khandu is also equally serious on pushing and aligning our traditional handloom and handicraft industry with the mainstream industry,” Dukam said.
​Saying that the tribal dresses and costumes are the distinct identity of being tribal, he said a tribal is recognized by one’s dress code which makes him or her stand out from the crowd. “There is immense potential for marketing our rich and beautiful tribal dresses and handicraft products across the globe and I urge the local weavers and artisans to avail the benefits of UNNATI-2024 scheme recently launched by Industry Department to set up their own manufacturing units,” said the Minister.
​Minister Dukam further said Ziro Plateau is a favoured destination to hold such state level workshops and seminars considering good road connectivity from Itanagar, mild weather, scenic beauty and hospitable people. 
​Advisor to the Minister and MLA Dr.Mohesh Chai said improvisation by the traditional weavers and artisans in tune with modern tastes and time was the key to keep alive the traditional handloom and handicraft industry. “Wearing local traditional dresses should not be confined to ‘vocal for local’ dress code day laid down by the state government on the 15th of every month and festivals but our tribal dresses need to be worn on other days as well,” he said.
​Appreciating obtaining G.I tags for 12 distinctive products of Arunachal Pradesh including the Apatani textile, the Advisor said the tradition needs to be kept alive and passed along to the younger generations for posterity. 
“Wearing our own distinctive tribal dresses should not be counted as an imposition rather it should be encouraged as an act of being tribal and giving s boost to the tribal economy,”  remarked the Advisor.
​In the best handloom weaver state award for 2024, Robiti Miku from Dibang Valley,  Ngano Chithou from Changlang and Bobita Bori from East Siang received the first, second and third prizes respectively, while in best handicrafts state award, Dakmer Riba from West Siang, Tomjam Khangam from Changlang and Kenba Angu from West Siang Districts received the first, second and third prizes respectively.
​The function was also attended by Ziro-Hapoli MLA Hage Appa, Secretary Textiles & Handicrafts Mimum Tayeng, Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Vivek H.P, among others. (DIPRO)

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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.
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