TAWANG, Oct 22: The Arunachal Pradesh Khadi and Village Industries Board (APKVIB), in collaboration with the DST–Technology Enabling Centre of Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), Doimukh, and Youth Action for Social Welfare (YASW), Tawang, organised a training-cum-workshop on natural fibre-based handmade paper and handicrafts in Tawang on Thursday.
The workshop, themed “Empowering Rural Communities through Utilisation of Natural Fibre for Daphne Handmade Paper and Handicrafts in Arunachal Pradesh”, aimed to promote traditional skills, encourage rural entrepreneurship and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Dr Krishna Kanth Pulicherla, senior scientist and Director in the Union Ministry of Science and Technology, presided over the programme.
Addressing the gathering, APKVIB Chairman Adv Maling Gombu stressed the need to combine indigenous knowledge and locally available resources with modern science and technology to improve productivity, product quality and marketability. He called for concerted efforts to revive traditional industries, including the nearly 1,000-year-old handmade paper tradition, pottery, Eri and Oak Tussar silk, woodcraft, cane and bamboo work, natural dyes, incense-stick making and oil extraction.
He said these industries could generate employment and income for rural communities if supported by improved processing techniques, appropriate mechanisation, product innovation and stronger market linkages. He also emphasised making traditional enterprises economically viable and attractive to younger generations.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Rakesh Jain, a United Nations Industrial Development Organization expert and former director of the Kumarappa National Handmade Paper Institute, highlighted the livelihood potential of natural fibre-based industries and the importance of skill development and market-oriented production.
Zilla Parishad Member Sonam Nordzin stressed community participation in promoting rural entrepreneurship. Dr Rahul Chandra Kushwaha of RGU delivered the welcome address, while YASW secretary Tenzin Samcho proposed the vote of thanks.
The workshop underscored the role of collaboration among technical institutions, artisans and community organisations in preserving indigenous craftsmanship and strengthening village industries in Arunachal Pradesh. (DIPRO)