Dr Khekugha Muru, Yangerla Jamir, along with other officials and participants during the inaugural programme of the 3-day Craft Fair, held at Integrated Business Hub & Innovation Centre, Forest Colony, Dimapur on February 26. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 26
A three-day Craft Fair and Exhibition commenced on February 26 at the Integrated Business Hub & Innovation Centre, Forest Colony, Dimapur, showcasing and selling traditional and contemporary handcrafted products.
The event is organised by the Mind Blowers Club with support from the North Eastern Council (NEC).
Addressing the inaugural programme as chief guest, the Chairman of the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) Dr Khekugha Muru urged participants to reflect on the growing global demand for handcrafted and exotic products.
He noted that while mechanised and ready-made goods had dominated markets in recent decades, there is now a renewed preference for handcrafted items, with customers willing to pay premium prices for handmade jewellery, crafts and artistic products.
Tracing the cycle of market trends, Dr Muru said handicrafts were highly popular in the early 1990s before mechanisation took over. However, the trend is shifting back in favour of artisanal and handcrafted products. He observed that Nagaland possesses immense talent and creativity, “second to none”, and has a strong pool of skilled artisans.
At the same time, he pointed out that limited market access had been a major constraint 10 to 15 years ago, but with the IT revolution, digital applications and online marketing platforms such as Amazon, artisans today are better connected to national and global markets. Improved air connectivity has further opened opportunities, he said.
Appealing to the Nagaland government, he called for identification and empowerment of grassroots stakeholders and urged media houses to extend encouragement and coverage, terming the initiative crucial for unemployed youth seeking ideas and opportunities.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the President of the Mind Blowers Club Yangerla Jamir expressed gratitude to invitees, business communities, exhibitors and well-wishers for their presence at the three-day exhibition.
Jamir said the event aims to provide artisans and craftsmen a common platform to exhibit their creations and explore sustainable market opportunities. The NEC’s support, she noted, has been instrumental in strengthening efforts to preserve and promote traditional skills.
The organisers informed that resource persons would deliver sessions on business-related topics and market linkages, and workshops would be conducted over the next two days to enable participants to learn new skills while exhibiting their products.
The exhibition will continue for three days, providing artisans, entrepreneurs and visitors an opportunity to interact, build networks and promote Nagaland’s traditional knowledge and craftsmanship.
