Shillong, Mar 13: Five handicraft artisans of the state were awarded ‘Handicraft Artisans of the Year 2024-25’ by the Department of Commerce & Industries.
The awardees are PhrasSyngkli of Umkaduh, Ri-Bhoi District, Gilford Pde of Chilliang Raij, West Jaintia Hills District, Mamsikha N Sangma of Balsri A’ding Chitoktak, West Garo Hills District, Ensila D Shira of Rongreng Chidekgre, Williamnagar, East Garo Hills District and Wanstep Thangkhiew of Umsong, RiBhoi District
The awards were handed out by the Director of Commerce & Industries, F Sutnga, in the presence of the Joint Director M L Wanshnong amongst other senior officials of the department.
The function was also attended by officials from Meghalaya Handloom & Handicrafts Corporation, Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and Asuk Suting, a national awardee.
In his speech Sutnga praised the awardees saying the awards are a testament to their hard work and dedication. Since the award is being given out to the indigenous crafts of the state, this will help in preserving the crafts and traditions that have been passed down by our forefathers and will also help in preserving them.
The director also added that in addition to these awards, the department will follow up the awardees with financial assistance that will include seed money for construction of working shed cum store room and sales outlet, tools and equipments and working capital as well as assistance for the awardees to train and mentor newer artisans.
The Innovation & Research Centre (I&RC) that will soon be made functional will help the artisans with newer craft designs that will have more relevant functionality and also helps in standardising the craft items, he said.
The centre will have the latest 3D printers and software for prototyping of new crafts with better designs. All awardees can contribute to this centre with their vast knowledge of the indigenous crafts from various regions of the state.
