Amplifying creativity of homegrown brands

2nd Edition of Nagaland Handmade Jewellery Exhibition 2021

Morung Express News
Kohima | September 24

Amidst the pandemic, 12 brands including 9 jewellery brands and 3 handmade hubs today gathered at The Heritage Kohima, amplifying the creativity of homegrown brands under the initiative of PIPO as part of its second edition of Nagaland Handmade Jewellery Exhibition 2021.

The event which was powered by the Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA) saw a rich display of jewellery and homegrown products by PIPO, Münye Handmade, Gifted Creations, The Khriezos, Humtsoe Crafts, Menyie Silver Jewellery, Abeila Casket, Berem Jewellery, and Mixpick Enterprise, Nr studio, Made in Nagaland, and Wulo Akami artworks.

Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Abu Metha, who graced the occasion as the guest of honour, termed the exhibition as a “fantastic show of Naga creativity” while noting that jewellery has been part of the human civilization since time immemorial. Even today, he said, it is an intrinsic part of every people, race and culture, carrying so many symbols and functions.

These pieces of art, he said are symbols of human feelings, signs of status and wealth, and also a symbol of one’s religion and reflects several things. Naga people, he further added, have used jewellery in various forms, which also comes across as a symbol of our heritage and culture. In this connection, he told the designers and creators that “you are the people who preserve this rich heritage.”

“Our designers and creators are the new breed of cultural ambassadors. You tell Naga stories and culture and take this Naganess we have, which we are so proud of, beyond the borders. I encourage you to continue your passion and tell our stories in a brave and courageous manner,” he said.

Metha also urged them to use the power of the internet while putting across that the pandemic has created so many normal and acceleration of digitalization. “We need to adapt and move to new normals. Use new dynamics to tell your stories,” he added.

Further pointing out that today jewellery is one of the biggest industries in the world, he said, even if we get a small percentage of the global market, it has the potential to change our lives. He stated belief that the silver lining lies with the creativity and innovation of young minds in Nagaland. Giving assurance that the Government of Nagaland will support the endeavours of creative people, he also asked them to take the advantage of the geographic location of the state. “Geography is our strength. The world is saying the new century belongs to Asia. How interesting and exciting that we will grow old in the Asian century,” he put across.

In the meantime, he commended 20-year-old Thungchibemo N Ezung, Founder of PIPO, under whose initiative the exhibition was held. Referring to the story of this young student as “refreshingly inspiring”, he stated belief that “from Kohima to Naganimora, Mon to Kiphire, everywhere, we have young minds willing to break free and break the hurdles.”

Kekhrie M Sekhose, Officer Assigned with the SDGCC, Planning and Coordination Department, Government of Nagaland, highlighted about the Sustainable Development Goals with emphasis on the three main goals of the SDGs under which the event is also focussed on. He dwelt upon Goal 1- No Poverty, Goal 3- Gender Equality and Goal 8- Decent Work and Economic Growth respectively.

During the event, Rongsenmongla Jamir, Jewellery Dzesigner and Proprietor, Mixpick Enterprise shared her story while Mengu Suokhrie, singer, songwriter & actor presented a special number and Founder of PIPO, NHJE, Thungchibemo N Ezung gave the welcome address. Ruopfuzhano Whiso, FBB Colours Femina Miss India Nagaland, 2018 was the host while among those present included TaFMA Advisor, Theja Meru, Project Director, Dr Hovithal Sothu and President of Rattle & Hum Music Society, Neingulie Nakhro.