Itanagar, May 8: The Department of Industries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Kolkata, conducted a one-day workshop-cum-seminar at Kameng Club, Bomdila, under the Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

The workshop brought together 52 artisans from across West Kameng district. This marks the eight successful workshop under the scheme, following previous sessions in Namsai, Tezu, Miao, and Ziro, collectively benefiting over 380 artisans. The workshop was inaugurated by Aakriti Sagar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of West Kameng, who commended NIFT as a premier institution in the fashion and design sector. She urged the institute to focus on the six key tribes of West Kameng—Miji, Monpa, Aka, Sherdukpen, Bogun, and Sartang—and encouraged artisans to fully utilize such platforms to refine their skills and expand their market opportunities.

PT Monpa, Assistant Director of Industries (ADI), West Kameng, formally welcomed all participants and NIFT officials on behalf of the Industries Department. The sessions were led by a team from NIFT Kolkata comprising Prof. Jayati Mukherjee, Associate Professor and Chairperson of the F&LA Design Department, and Prof. Sanjib Kumar Das, Associate Professor and Centre Coordinator for Leather Design. They were joined by expert designers Anamika Debnath, Associate Professor (Fashion Design) and Head of the Resource Centre, and Anwesha Mukherjee, a design and craft expert affiliated with NIFT and NID.

Special emphasis was placed on the distinctive tribal designs of West Kameng district, particularly those rooted in the cultural heritage of the Monpa and Bogun communities. Their traditional garments, intricately handcrafted bags, and woven carpets served as focal points for design exploration. These crafts reflect generations of artistry and storytelling, which the workshop sought to preserve while making them more adaptable to national and international markets.

The event also served as a platform to highlight the broader design diversity of six indigenous tribes of West Kameng—Miji, Monpa, Aka, Sherdukpen, Bogun, and Sartang. Their unique motifs and aesthetic expressions were not only showcased but also studied in depth during the sessions. NIFT experts engaged directly with individual artisans, offering personalized feedback and practical suggestions on refining and innovating their existing products. These one-on-one interactions were instrumental in helping artisans enhance their designs while retaining cultural authenticity.

Through this integrated approach, the workshop encouraged artisans to view their traditional crafts as evolving art forms with strong commercial potential, thus paving the way for greater visibility and value in wider markets.

The event also received strong support from the Textile & Handicrafts Department, with the presence of ADTH Shri Rinchin Nima, Craft Superintendent Jenpi Gadi, and EO Phurpa Tsering of the District Industries Center.