Shillong, Feb 4: Visiting journalists from Karnataka today visited the Umden Diwon Silk Village in Ri Bhoi district to engage with local artisans, particularly women weavers, and gained insights into the entire silk production process-from silkworm rearing and spinning to dyeing and handloom weaving.
The village is renowned for producing Eri Silk, locally known as Ryndai, which has recently received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognising its distinct regional identity and traditional value. Eri silk is an ahimsa (non-violent) silk, harvested without harming the silkworms, making it an environmentally sustainable and ethically produced textile.
The journalists interacted with members of women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs), who shared their experiences of preserving traditional weaving techniques, improving production capacity, and creating sustainable livelihoods through collective effort.
Discussions focused on market access, branding of GI-tagged products, and the role of media in promoting indigenous crafts at the national level.
The journalists who are part of the press tour to Meghalaya organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) also visited the Directorate General Assam Rifles (DGAR) at Laitkor.
During the interaction session, Brigadier Sandip Chatterjee, Brigadier Swarn Singh, and other senior officials engaged with the media delegation, addressing their queries and sharing insights into the operational preparedness, challenges, and people-centric initiatives of the force.
The media delegation also visited the Assam Rifles Museum, which showcased the force’s illustrious legacy through historic artefacts, weapons, uniforms, and accounts of gallantry. In addition, the delegation was briefed on the Assam Rifles’ sustained efforts in combating smuggling and transnational crime, including the seizure and confiscation of contraband such as narcotics, arms, and ammunition, significantly enhancing border security in the region.
