Director, I&C, P. Tokugha Sema and officials with awardees of the State Level Award of Handicraft and Tribal Textiles 2024-25 & 2025-26 held at Conference Hall, DoI&C, Kohima on January 29. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, January 29 (MExN): The State Level Award for Handicraft and Tribal Textile for the year 2024 – 2025 and 2025 – 2026 was held at the Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Kohima on January 29.
Speaking on the occasion, Director, Industries & Commerce, P Tokugha Sema congratulated the awardees and said such occasions are celebrated to make an impact in our livelihood, society and state. Sema remarked that such awards are big achievements made with purpose and meaning.
At the same time, the Director also informed that the Ministry of Textiles under the Development Commissioner Handicraft have recently announced to nominate two awardees under the Special Category. He encouraged the awardees to prolong their traditional trade by using their talents so that they are recognized by the government.
Meanwhile, he also urged the awardees not to commercialize their products only for profit but use it to play a vital role to encourage other artisans in the state. He further announced that the awardees would be getting a monthly pension of Rs 8000 after attending the age of 60.
Felicitating the 15 awardees, the Executive Engineer and Programme Office Textile, Er Aienla Walling said the department’s role is not just to give away the certificates, but to honour the quiet, relentless dedication of the artisans that keeps our heritage such as nettle weaves, wood carving, crochet artists, metal workers, bamboo weavers and potters alive.
It carries patience, skill and stories of our people and our land, she added. She also highlighted copy designs of the handicraft flooding in the markets, and called upon the artisans to stand together to protect the unique designs and to sell through fair platforms.
In her welcome address, Additional Director, Industries & Commerce, T Lemnon Wangsha said that the State Level Award program is a celebration of rich cultural heritage, which reflects the creativity, skill and dedication of many Naga artisans and weavers.
Wangsha remarked that these rich handicrafts and tribal textiles are not only a symbol of our identity, but also an important source of livelihood for many of us, adding that through the state level award, the Department of Industries & Commerce recognises and honour the artisans who have preserved traditional knowledge showcasing their creativity and skill.
A short speech on behalf of the awardees was proposed by Maopha, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Assistant Director, Industries & Commerce and the programme was chaired by Joint Director, Industries & Commerce, Hojeto K Suqhe.
The awardees for State Level Award for the year 2024 – 2025 were - Kudulhu for Handicraft (Pottery and Clay), B Temjen Pongen for Handicraft (Scrap-Metal & Bone-Carving Artisan), Mannyei Konyak for Handicraft (Wood & Stone Carving, Carpenter, Painter), Asenla Imsong for Handicraft (Crochet), K Tokpon for Handicraft (Crochet) and Tiarenla Jamir for Handicraft (Crochet).
The awardees for the State Level Award for the year 2025 – 2026 were - Maopha for Handicraft (Brass), Imsuyanger for Handicraft (Woodwork), Bumang Hoba for Handicraft (Cane & Bamboo), Kelhoutshevi Kehie for Handicraft (Cane & Bamboo), Vikhoto Meyase for Handicraft (Cane & Bamboo). The awardees in the special category were awarded to K Shahlem for Handicraft (wood carving), Imnasunep for Handicraft (Cane & Bamboo).
