Five Artisans Get State Handicraft Award

SHILLONG: In recognition of the achievement of craftspersons, the State Award for Handicraft Artisans 2017-2018 was held on Friday at the Industrial Training Centre, Lower Nongrim Hills, Shillong.

During the programme, two of the awardees, Kretis Rynjah of East Khasi Hills district and Daisy Christine G Momin of West Garo Hills district, shared the stories of their journey from humble beginnings to State awardees.

The other awardees are Ram Kynjin Panaliar of West Jaintia Hills, Albina Jyrwa of South West Khasi Hills District and Clement Sangma of North Garo Hills District.

MR Synrem, Commissioner and Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department, who graced the occasion as the chief guest, gave away the awards to 5 artisans from different districts of the State. The award carried a certificate, a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 50,000.

Addressing the gathering, Synrem congratulated the awardees for their outstanding talent and dedication to their crafts. While stating that the North-East and Meghalaya in particular have a large talent pool, the challenge to meet bulk demands often posts as a stumbling block. Hence, he encouraged the artisans to work hard to plug such loopholes and assured of the department’s support in their initiatives.

JL Mawlong, Director of Commerce and Industries, informed that the State Award for the year 2017-18, which is the 3rd State Award for Handicrafts Artisans since implementation in 2015-2016, had 19 contesting participants from different districts with entries ranging from cane and bamboo, containers, hand bags, murra, wood carving, water hyacinth craft, flower craft, traditional terracotta jewellery, etc.

Out of the 19 entries, five were selected for the State award, making them eligible to be engaged as designers and also to avail various schemes of the office of the Development Commissioner (Handicraft).

Besides the certificate, trophy and cash prize awarded to the artisans under the award, the Government will provide seed money for construction of working shed, storeroom, sale outlet and finance for purchase of tools and equipment, he informed.

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