IT News
Imphal, Jan 29:
The College of Community Science, Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, in collaboration with ICAR-NINFET Kolkata, ICAR-CICR Nagpur, Deendayal Research Institute, and ICAR-CRIJAF Barrackpore inaugurated the three-day National Symposium on ‘Threads of Heritage: Exploring Textiles and Natural Fibres’ at College of Post-Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (CPGSAS), Umiam, Barapani,. The event, scheduled from January 27 to 29, 2025, aims to highlight the rich legacy of textiles and natural fibers in India.
The inaugural function was graced by Conrad Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, as the Chief Guest. In his address, Conrad Sangma highlighted the importance of preserving indigenous textile traditions and promoting sustainable practices to benefit artisans and the textile industry. He lauded the organizers for bringing together experts, academicians, and artisans on a common platform.
The event was attended by MLA Archana Chitnis of Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh and has served as Minister of Education of the state. In her address, MLA Archana commended the Chief Minister for his remarkable efforts in advancing the Jal Jeevan Mission. She expressed her gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, acknowledging his pivotal role in improving innovative practices in Madhya Pradesh. Under his leadership, she noted, agriculture and nutrition were seamlessly connected, driving progress in the field of nutrition.
Addressing questions about her presence, she replied, “Rather than asking why I am here, ask yourself why you are here.” She explained that her presence was to be remembered and to reinforce the vision of Prime Minister Modi, who transformed the “Look East” policy into the “Act East” approach. She concluded by stating, “To truly act east, one must be present here.”
Atul Jain, General Secretary Deen Dayal Research Institute attended as Guest of Honour of the symposium along with artisans, weavers, researchers, and investors from across the country.
In his speech, Nanaji Deshmukh reflected on the great legacy left by our ancestors. He highlighted the importance of indigenous and traditional wisdom passed down by our elders, which he deeply valued throughout his life. He highlighted the holistic model of development, inspired by the philosophy of integral humanism propounded by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, as a guiding principle for progress. Nanaji Deshmukh firmly believed that traditional wisdom was truly sustainable and had the potential to bring the long-elusive happiness that people have been seeking for years.
The event was presided over by Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice-Chancellor of CAU, Imphal, who highlighted the importance of research and innovation in the textile industry. He stressed the untapped potential of Northeast India’s resources, such as fibers derived from banana pseudostems, ramie, jute, sisal, flax and pineapple leaf fibre, for eco-fashion and technical textiles.
As part of the inaugural program, several artisans were felicitated for their outstanding contributions to preserving and promoting traditional textile arts. Also 4 FPOs were felicitated.
As a part of the programme, different books were released. Developmental Activities for Sustainable Changes in the Satellite Village by Dr. Kh. R. Aimol and Dr.Jyoti V. Vastrad, Institutional Profile – 2024, written by Prof. Jyoti V. Vastrad, Dr. Ranima Saikia, and Dr. Pavana Kumar ST, The Souvenir: National Symposium on Threads of Heritage – Exploring Traditional Textiles and Natural Fibres published by the College of Community Science and The Curious Kid’s Guide, edited and designed by Dr. Narmada Hidangmayum, Livees Tongsin, and Vimezino Pucho, was released as a fun and educational book for children, designed to encourage learning and curiosity.