Shillong, Aug 7: From a saree draping workshop to an ethnic fashion show and traditional dance performances, it was a heartwarming tribute to India’s rich textile heritage at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Shillong.
Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, Dr. Pooja Pandey, Director of Census Operations for Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, emphasised the handloom sector’s pivotal role in India’s socio-economic fabric.
“Handloom is the second-largest employment generator after agriculture. It empowers women, sustains rural households, and keeps our cultural stories alive in every weave,” she said, calling for increased public support and conscious fashion choices that uplift indigenous artisans.
Highlighting the enduring connection between handloom and India’s freedom movement, NIFT Shillong Director Shankar Kumar Jha reminded the gathering of the Swadeshi spirit.
“These motifs are not just patterns—they are stories. Our students and faculty play a vital role in preserving and evolving this heritage,” he said.
The Saree Draping Workshop proved to be a crowd favourite, as students enthusiastically learned the art of wearing sarees in various regional styles—each drape a symbol of diversity and identity. Meanwhile, the fashion show stole the spotlight, with models walking the ramp in contemporary ensembles fashioned from handwoven Northeast Indian fabrics, blending tradition with modern design sensibilities.
The event concluded on a spirited note with a Bihu dance performance, bringing alive the vibrant cultural rhythm of Assam and leaving the audience spellbound.
For many of the students, this celebration wasn’t just another event—it was a deeply personal journey of rediscovering their roots and envisioning a future where craftsmanship meets creativity.
“Wearing my culture on my sleeve—literally—made me realise how powerful our heritage is,” said a participating design student. “I want to build a label that tells these stories.”
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