Itanagar, May 9: A one-day awareness-cum-workshop for artisans was successfully conducted today at Zomkhang Hall, Tawang, under the Comprehensive Handicraft Cluster Development Scheme, organized by the Department of Industries, Tawang in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Kolkata, under the aegis of the Ministry of Textiles and Handicraft, Government of India.

The programme was inaugurated by Sangey Wangmu Mosobi, Incharge Deputy Commissioner, Tawang, in the presence of Jayati Mukherjee, Associate Professor & Chairperson, Accessory Design, NIFT Kolkata, Sanjay Kumar Das, Associate Professor and Centre Coordinator, Leather Design, NIFT Kolkata, senior officials from NIFT, Tsering Drema, Deputy Director of Industries, and Lobsang Wangmu, Incharge ADTH. The event witnessed participation from over 100 artisans from various villages of Tawang, including members from Self Help Groups (SHGs) and traditional weavers.

In her inaugural address, the Incharge DC expressed gratitude to the NIFT Kolkata team for their impactful initiative and emphasized the importance of preserving the rich textile and handicraft traditions of the tribal communities of Tawang. She highlighted how these crafts, rooted in self-sustainability, have historically provided livelihoods and encouraged artisans to embrace modern tools and market opportunities to enhance product quality and outreach.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Jayati Mukherjee informed that this workshop was part of Phase 2 of the awareness initiative, following earlier sessions conducted in Namsai and Eastern Arunachal. She urged artisans to adopt modern communication technologies and online platforms to reach wider markets and noted NIFT’s four-decade-long association with the promotion and design development of Indian handicrafts.

During the technical sessions, experts from NIFT introduced participants to modern production techniques, design innovations, and marketing strategies, alongside detailed information about government schemes supporting traditional artisans and weavers. The sessions aimed to build the artisans’ capacities while ensuring the essence of their cultural heritage remains intact.

Earlier, Dy. Director of Industries, Tawang, Tsering Drema commended the active participation of artisans and SHG members and extended appreciation to the NIFT Kolkata team for their efforts in bringing such a valuable programme to Tawang.

This initiative reflects a significant step toward empowering traditional artisans and fostering sustainable livelihood through innovation, collaboration, and heritage preservation.