Meghalaya textiles set to shine in Milan, Italy

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 7, 2023

To ensure that Meghalaya’s textile products have a global reach, Textiles Minister Paul Lyngdoh said that products from Meghalaya will head to Milan in Italy, known to attract fashion and brand moguls.

He was speaking on National Handloom Day observed at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Shillong Campus, Umsawli on Monday.

He said, “In a couple of months from now, all our products will be showcased at Milan in Italy, the fashion capital of Europe. It is going to be a huge statement on the part of Meghalaya, a state that till today has this paradox of being a rich land inhabited largely by the poor. This need not be the destiny of Meghalaya. We have to transform this paradox into a success story. Meghalaya has it, we have it in us.”

Urging the residents of the state to be part of Meghalaya’s success story, the minister said the hands that weave the spinning wheels will rule the world.

The Minister and the officials of the department released a Coffee Table Book on Meghalaya Silk titled “Woven Narratives” and also unveiled the Textile Map of Meghalaya.

Lyngdoh, who is also a Tourism minister, said that the department will take the coffee table book to the rest of the world, in a way, to show to the world that the people of the state have the necessary weaving skills.

Speaking at the programme, Nongpoh MLA Mayral Born Syiem stressed on the need for a Geographical Identification (GI) tag for Ryndia products as it will be beneficial in maintaining its unique identification and recognition. He reiterated the importance of preserving and upholding the traditional traits of rearing, spinning, dyeing and weaving.

Meanwhile, president of Meghalaya Ryndia Association P. Tmung informed that the association is applying for geographical indication tag (GI tag) for two important products – Ryndia and the Khasi handloom products.

He said, “As an association, we have done all the necessary requirements and we have submitted our application to the GI registry in Chennai. Our application has been accepted by the GI registry office and we will be hearing soon next month in Tezpur.”

Pointing out that there is an emotional attachment to weaving, Tmung said, “Each Ryndia is woven with a piece of history, each piece carries with it the struggle of the woman in the interior area. When you buy a fabric here in Shillong, you are empowering somebody who is living in a remote village in RB where there is no access to electricity or proper lighting or internet connection.”

During the programme Pehchan Card and Yarn under Income Generation Programme were given to the beneficiaries by the minister and the dignitaries. Awards were also presented to various individuals and Co-operative Society of the state.

Award for Best Co-operative Society was given to Mukhap Handloom & Handicraft Co-operative Society, West Jaintia Hills District; Best Handloom Entrepreneur was awarded to M/s Nangcwa Diwon, Ri-Bhoi District; Successful Independent Weaver award was presented to Ivy Lorna R Marak, West Garo Hills District; Efficient Weaver of Departmental Centre Award was given to Manju Rabha, East Khasi Hills District while the award for the Longest Serving Weaver was given to Menri A Sangma, West Garo Hills District.