Umiam, Barapani – The College of Community Science, Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, in collaboration with ICAR-NINFET Kolkata, ICAR-CICR Nagpur, Deendayal Research Institute, and ICAR-CRIJAF Barrackpore, inaugurated the three-day National Symposium on Threads of Heritage: Exploring Textiles and Natural Fibres today at the College of Post-Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (CPGSAS), Umiam, Barapani. Scheduled from January 27 to 29, 2025, the symposium aims to celebrate India’s rich textile heritage while fostering discussions on sustainable innovations in the sector.
Dr. Jyoti V. Vastrad, Dean of the College of Community Science, CAU, Imphal, welcomed esteemed guests and participants, outlining the symposium’s objectives and expected outcomes. A major highlight of the event was the presence of the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Kongkal Sangma, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasized the significance of preserving indigenous textile traditions and promoting sustainable practices to benefit artisans and the textile industry. He commended the organizers for uniting experts, academicians, and artisans on a common platform.
The event also witnessed an inspiring address by MLA Archana Chitnis, representing Burhanpur (Vidhan Sabha constituency), Madhya Pradesh, and former Minister of Education. She lauded the Chief Minister’s efforts in advancing the Jal Jeevan Mission and acknowledged the Vice Chancellor’s role in integrating agriculture and nutrition to drive progress in the field.
MLA Archana Chitnis proudly highlighted India’s global contributions in textiles, metallurgy, and shipping. She spoke passionately about the historical and technological significance of Indian textiles, particularly in spinning, weaving, dyeing, and printing, which have earned India international recognition.
Emphasizing the need for innovation to make traditional textiles more cost-effective, she underscored the quality and durability of natural fibers over synthetics. Addressing questions about her presence at the event, she remarked, “Rather than asking why I am here, ask yourself why you are here.” She reinforced the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who transformed the Look East policy into the Act East approach, stating, “To truly act east, one must be present here.”
Atul Jain, General Secretary of the Deendayal Research Institute, attended as the Guest of Honour alongside artisans, weavers, researchers, and investors from across the country. Reflecting on the legacy of Nanaji Deshmukh, he emphasized the importance of indigenous wisdom passed down through generations. He highlighted Integral Humanism, the philosophy of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, as a guiding principle for sustainable progress, encouraging participants to embrace traditional knowledge for a better future.
The symposium was presided over by Dr. Anupam Mishra, Honourable Vice-Chancellor of CAU, Imphal, who stressed the significance of research and innovation in the textile industry. He highlighted Northeast India’s untapped potential in natural fibers such as banana pseudostems, ramie, jute, sisal, flax, and pineapple leaf fiber, emphasizing their application in eco-fashion and technical textiles. The event aims to unite experts, researchers, and entrepreneurs to promote innovation and sustainability in the sector.
As part of the inaugural program, several artisans were felicitated for their outstanding contributions to preserving and promoting traditional textile arts. The honored artisans include:
- Oman Siram Taki (Rani Village, East Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh)
- Padmashri Hemoprova Chutia (Moran, Dibrugarh District, Assam)
- Champa Sonowal (Borbam Kachari, Bordoloni Block, Dhemaji, Assam)
- Kanmai Payun (Mishing Community, Majuli, Assam)
- Ngairangbam Ibempishak Devi (Malom Tulihal, Imphal West, Manipur)
- Anita Koch (Dakhopgre, Tura, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya)
- Prosati Koch (Gasura Gaon, Meghalaya)
- Smt. Daisy Christine G. Momin (Tura, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya)
- Efredena R. Marak (New Tura, Matchakolgre, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya)
- Iaineh Khymdeit (Mowlong Nongtluh, Ribhoi District, Meghalaya)
- Rejinald Khiangte (Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya)
- Pynbhalang Tmung (Ribhoi, Meghalaya)
- Patricia Zadeng (Aizawl, Mizoram)
- Devi Kala Gurung (Begha, West Sikkim)
- Hemari Devbarma (Tripura)
Additionally, four Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) were felicitated:
- Sadolpara and Adugre Village Farmer Groups (West Garo Hills, Meghalaya)
- Darechigre Village (West Garo Hills, Meghalaya)
- SHG Federation, Yorura Village (Nagaland)
These villages are renowned for preserving traditional lifestyles and sustainable agricultural practices. The farmers of Sadolpara cultivate and conserve over 35 traditional crops, including Comilla Cotton under a mixed cropping system. Darechigre, a satellite village of the College of Community Science, Tura, has successfully developed Comilla Cotton products such as earbuds, sanitary napkins, and surgical cotton. The SHG Federation in Yorura Village has played a key role in conserving and promoting Gossypium barbadense cotton, originally planted by their ancestors. The federation has established spinning, dyeing, and weaving facilities, successfully producing and selling a variety of cotton-based products.
The symposium serves as a significant platform for scholars, researchers, and industry experts to discuss the cultural, economic, and scientific dimensions of textiles and natural fibers. Topics include traditional weaving techniques, innovations in textile production, sustainable fabric development, and the socio-economic impact of textiles on indigenous communities.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Anupama Mishra, Professor & Head, Department of Textile and Apparel Designing, College of Community Science, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Tura, Meghalaya.
