Three handicraft exhibitors from NE awarded Ajay Shankar Memorial awards

NEW DELHI: Three participants of the Northeast region (NER) have been awarded the 'Ajay Shankar Memorial' awards during the closing ceremony of the 49th edition of IHGF (Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair) 'Delhi Fair Virtual' for the best virtual booths. The awards are given in the memory of late Ajay Shankar, former Development Commissioner of Handicrafts.

Earlier it was known as Indian Handicrafts and Gift Fair (IHGF) held twice a year (Spring and Autumn) 48 shows of IHGF have already been organized by EPCH.

Shantmanu Sutradhar received the gold award on behalf of M/s Disha Enterprise of Jorhat in Assam. Lucky Keisham received the silver award on behalf of M/s Lucky Manipur Handicrafts Kauna Bags Imphal of Manipur; and Victor Talukdar received the bronze award handed over to M/s Mesmerizing Bamboo Fusion of Aizawl in Mizoram, informed Neeraj Khanna, president of the fair.

The 49th edition of IHGF 'Delhi virtual fair' was held from July 13 to 19, 2020. The north-eastern region is one of the richest in terms of sustainable crafts made from natural and eco-friendly materials and a home to a large number of tribes and sub-tribes who are engaged into manufacturing of crafts made out of local material available in abundance in the region, said Rakesh Kumar, DG – EPCH (Director General-Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts).

The craft of this rich region has always been provided platform at the world largest fair called IHGF-Delhi fair regularly. Altogether 25 artisans and entrepreneurs participated and displayed their exquisite crafts in theme pavilion set up during the 49th edition of the fair. They displayed the complete range of handicrafts of the region made from water hyacinth, muga silk and eri silk, apart from products made out of cane, bamboo and terracotta, informed Jesmina Zeliang, Member COA EPCH & Regional Convener NER.

Apart from entrepreneurs, the associated Institute -- Regional Design & Technical Design Centre -- under the office of the Development Commissioner [Handicrafts], North Eastern Region, Guwahati was also given away the 'Certificate of Award' for motivating the entrepreneurs to participate in the 49th edition of IHGF-Delhi Fair Virtual, added the DG – EPCH.

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