Padmashree (Handloom) L Subadani Devi on Saturday said that maximum number of women in the state depend in handloom and handicraft sector as a source of livelihood, while their dedication in this sector not only generates income but also promotes the rich cultural identity of the state at national and international level.
She was speaking as the chief guest during the concluding ceremony of the two-week long State Handloom Expo 2022-2023, which began on September 18 at Urban Haat, Nilakuthi, Imphal East.
The programme was organised by Manipur Apex Handloom Weaves and Handicrafts Artisans’ CS Ltd (AWAS) Paona Bazar under National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) in association with Development Commissioner for Handlooms, ministry of Textiles, government of India.
She further said that Manipur is known for its unity and diversity and each community has their unique traditional and cultural identities. Through handloom and handicraft, artisans are playing a significant role in spreading the identity of Manipuris in various parts of the country and outside the country.
She encouraged the artisans of the state to produce more eye-catching items and bring more laurels in the state by winning national and international awards.
President of the function, A Ronika Devi who is also the president of Manipur Apex Handloom weavers and Handicrafts Artisans’ CS Ltd (AWAS), said that they have been putting all efforts to uplift the artisans’ and weavers’ community of the state. She also assured to extend such support continuously even in days to come.
Joint director of directorate of Handloom and Textiles, government of Manipur E Jeeten Singh; deputy director of HoO of Weavers’ service Centre (WSC), Imphal HK Baro; project director of district Handlooms and Textiles, Imphal East Th Ibemcha Devi; officer-in-charge (marketing) of National Handloom Development Corporation Ltd (NHDC Imphal) Y Shantikumar Singh and former board of director of All India Handloom FMCS Ltd New Delhi Md Wahidur Rahman also attended the event as guests of honour of the function.
