KOHIMA: In a significant development, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated the Bamboo-Based Craft Concentration Centre in Sovima, Chümoukedima, Nagaland. Funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC) and implemented by the North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council (NECBDC) and Sustainable Livelihood Multipurpose Co-op Society Ltd (SLMCSL), the center stands as a collaborative effort to promote bamboo-based crafts in the region.
Rio, addressing the audience, hailed the occasion as a red-letter day and a milestone in the promotion of bamboo crafts. Despite acknowledging the challenges faced in establishing the center, he commended the dedicated work of stakeholders, expressing gratitude to NEC, DoNER, NECBDC, and SLMCSL for their support.
The Chief Minister emphasized the potential benefits the center could bring to local artisans and craftsmen, reaffirming the state government's commitment to preserving and promoting cultural traditions. Rio highlighted the diverse tribal communities in Nagaland, noting the unique patterns each tribe possesses. He proposed the creation of a committee to approve designs, ensuring product quality and commercial viability for bamboo-based products.
Rio disclosed the government's plan to send selected artisans for further training, recognizing the global demand for bamboo products. He urged the tapping of national and international markets and envisioned Nagaland's unique products serving as cultural ambassadors.
The Chief Minister called for mass production to meet buyer demands and emphasized the potential for Nagaland's cultural heritage to find its way into textiles for widespread use. He encouraged a shift from dependency on white-collared jobs, promoting entrepreneurship and indigenous products.
Accompanied by ministers and officials, Rio expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated facility would become a center of excellence. NEC Secretary Moses Chalai highlighted the multifaceted contributions of the Northeast, addressing challenges in income and job generation. He spoke optimistically about the Matarbari Deep Sea Port as a game-changer, opening up economic opportunities for the region.
NECBDC Managing Director MC Omi Ningshen underscored the importance of traditional crafts beyond economic endeavors, emphasizing the cultural and artistic value embedded in each item. He urged sustained efforts, collaboration, and partnerships to harness the advantages of bamboo as a sustainable and culturally significant asset.
The event marked a significant step towards economic growth, cultural preservation, and global recognition for Nagaland, as it capitalizes on the potential of bamboo-based crafts.
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