‘Make handlooms more fashionable’: Meghalaya Governor Ganga Prasad

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Meghalaya Governor, Ganga Prasad on Tuesday said that the younger generation of Meghalaya has picked up the idea to blend handloom with fashion.

The Governor was speaking as the Chief Guest at the observance of the National Handloom Day organised by the Department of Sericulture & Weaving at All Saints’ Hall, Shillong. Prasad while saying that it is a wonderful initiative urged more youth to use their talent and creativity in the handloom sector.

He further stressed on the need to make handlooms more fashionable, so that people at large are attracted to the handlooms and create a demand for the State’s products made of Eri, Muga and Mulberry silk. Prasad said that August 7 is observed as National Handloom Day to honour the handloom weavers of the country also gives an impetus to India’s handloom industry. “The day seeks to highlight the contribution of the handloom sector to the socio economic development of the country thereby enhancing the pride and self-esteem of the weavers,” he said.

The Governor also stated that the day is also to remind of the 1905 Swadeshi Movement during which Indians boycotted British products in favour of the renewal of domestic ones and in modern times, to encourage people to wear the handloom products. “Wearing handloom is not a practice that should be celebrated for a day but it should be worn all year round to remain rooted in one’s culture, tradition and to support the weavers who put in years of experience, time, energy and soul into creating these pieces of art,” Prasad said.