A section of participants seen with the resource persons and NEPED Team Members at the workshop for handicraft artisans at Pfütsero on July 1. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Pfütsero | July 1
Impressing upon that there are artisans everywhere across different villages, Dr Riku Khutso, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Pfütsero today asserted that Chakhesangs produce ‘unique handicrafts’ but do not know how to sell or promote it. He was addressing the inaugural of the two-day seminar for handicrafts artisans under AHVY that got underway today at Nazareth School, Pfütsero.
He also maintained that Chakhesangs are self-reliant while adding that “maybe that’s why we are also not ambitious.” However, dwelling on the scope for handicraft artisans, he said, “if you come together as a group and work collectively, you can do so much more.” He cited, for instance that if a group in a village manages to make 300 baskets in a month and sells it for Rs 1000 each, they would be able to sell it for Rs 3 lakh.
As knowledge holders, he also affirmed that their produce of handicrafts in different forms holds so much value. Further stating that this is the first of its kind workshop being held, he urged the participants from several villages under Phek district to make the best use of it and take the training as a motivation to further themselves while adding that a training such as this is empowerment.
It may be noted here that the two-day seminar is being sponsored by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, New Delhi and implemented by NEPED (Nagaland Empowerment of People through Economic Development).
Rajib Chandra Roy, Handicrafts Promotion Officer, HSC Kohima gave highlights of the DC Handicrafts Schemes/GeM Portal. He also highlighted about the ‘Shilp Guru’ Award that is conferred to the master craftspersons every year by the Government of India in innovating different styles and designs of the traditional craftsmanship.
‘Our handiwork is our strength’
Speaking on the importance of Design & Technology in Textiles/Handicrafts, Kevisedenuo Margaret Zinyü, Managing Director, Woven Threads & Recipient of Award of Excellence 2018 by the World Craft Council (WCC) emphasized, that for the Nagas, ‘our handiwork is our strength’. She impressed upon that when it comes to design and technology, even our indigenous knowledge is also technology and asserted that ‘if we are to be a prosperous state, we have to value our indigenous knowledge.’
She also remarked that the Chakhesang tribe is the most productive community in respect of handicrafts whether it is weaving or bamboo craft. In the meantime, she noted that there are many branches of design and textile.
Further recalling her journey of getting into textiles, she highlighted that it started with a school scout camping while she was in school. This required them to learn a skill and teach others wherein she learnt to weave and subsequently taught her peers during that point of time.
On her course at the National Institute of Design (NID), she also recollected that they were taught to value their own background, culture and traditions. Besides theoretical learning, she said they went around villages, living with rural families, learning new crafts, and studying their lifestyles and looking at the entire ecosystem.
The other resource speaker, Vizoto Angami, Branch Manager, SBI, Pfütsero spoke on the topic “Availing MUDRA loan for Handicraft Artisans” while Nezelü Nyekha, Executive Director, Chakhesang Women Welfare Society gave a talk on “Conservation of Traditional designs and patterns under Geographical Indication Area (GIA) patent right.”
Earlier, Dr Savio Krocha, Member, NEPED delivered the welcome address and also chaired the programme. A total number of 287 artisans from different villages under Phek district participated in the workshop.
