Shillong, Aug 7: The Department of Textiles on Saturday celebrated the 8th National Handloom Day at the Umden-Diwon Eri Silk village.

The highlight of the function was the inauguration of the Design, Innovation & Resource Centre, (DIRC) at Umden-Diwon, Raid Nongtluh, Ri-Bhoi District.

The DIRC was set up with a focus on 4 components:- Ahimsa Silk, Organic Dyes, Women Centric and Global presence aspects.

Addressing the inaugural function of the DIRC as chief guest, Minister of Textiles, Banteidor Lyngdoh, appreciated the vision of the Textiles Department which was setup with a view to build and create a centre for showcasing the indigenous designs developed by the local weavers in the state.

Lyngdoh also hoped that the DIRC would emerge as a repository and inventory of various handloom samples and designs available at the First Eri Silk village.

Earlier in his keynote address, Commissioner & Secretary in-charge Textiles, FR Kharkongor, highlighted on how the DIRC can emerge as a setup to showcase and establish market linkages between the village and the outside world, leveraging on the Department of Textiles unique Ryndia brand with tagline “From Thread to Trend”, anchored on the motto “Rooted in Nature, Connected to Culture”.

The Commissioner & Secretary expressed hope that the DIRC should contribute substantially towards, meeting the aspirations of the weavers, spinners, not only of the Umden-Diwon 1st Eri Silk village, but would also prove immensely beneficial to the neighboring villages of Raid Nongtluh in terms of capacity building, design upscaling, financial assistance, promotion, selling and marketing, while also integrating the sector with the latest technologies in the Handloom and Textiles sectors.

Other speakers which included the local MLA M Syiem congratulated the Department for the DIRC and hoped that it would further facilitate designers and researchers in enhancing the quality of the products through exporters, manufacturers, weaver and other stakeholders.

Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi expressed happiness on the inauguration of the DIRC at the Eri Silk Village and highlighted the collaboration with NIFT to ensure that the DIRC would continue to emerge as an important centre which is pioneering in its professional portrayal and presentation of Eri Silk products, unique to the village.

He also expressed hope that it will generate design research outcomes in the specially designed display areas. He also remarked that the DIRC will provide unique branding and identity to the colour, motif, usage, organic dyeing and usage of looms through appropriate visual merchandising.

The Director, Sericulture & Weaving stated that the DIRC will facilitate a space for an interactive platform between artisans, weavers, industry and design students through exclusive display areas, specialised lab, resource centre and design activities.

Other technical Resource Persons dwelt on aspects such as Visual merchandising of interior to create inspiring spaces, designing & creation of various sections (Cocoon, spinning, reeling, dyeing and designing, weaving, exhibition space, documentations & Archival, conference and workshop space), Training of in-house human resource for ongoing visual mode, aspects such as Organic dye, Ahimsa Silk, women centric and global presence, allowing users to view and learn about the Eri Weavers and their craft, giving users an opportunity to understand of the processes and products involved, and to enhance the visitors experience of viewing information through the use of a variety of displays in regard to Meghalaya’s Unique Ryndia.

On the occasion of the 8th National Handloom Day, the Chief Guest and other dignitaries honoured and recognized the leading handloom production houses such as Kiniho, Zong I Hi, Nangcwa, Ri Last, Sailum and Eri Weaves for their contribution to the Handloom sector in the state by instilling pride amongst their weavers and bringing honour to the state through their exquisite weaving craftsmanship.

A vibrant traditional costume display and colourful exhibition were the other highlights of the 8th National Handloom Day which was celebrated in the state. Earlier in the day as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga the National TriColour was unfurled at the venue amidst the enthusiastic flag waving of the various participants and weavers in support of the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign.