KOHIMA — Chief
Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday inaugurated the multi-storeyed building,
Nagaland State Emporium Complex Kohima, under the Nagaland Handloom and
Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited (NHHDC). The new facility is
located opposite the old NST station.
Addressing the event, Rio expressed delight over the
inauguration of the long-felt need and requirement for the state, stating that
though NHHDCL is a small corporation, it is very important and significant.
The chief minister stated that the emporium is the image and
pride of the state. He also put on record his delight over the launch of the ‘Unity
Shawl for men and women,’ which represents unity in diversity.
“Our state’s diversity—embodied in over 17 major
tribes—gives rise to a rich tapestry of customs, attire, and traditional
artistry. Every motif and weave tells a story. We must preserve and promote
these with authenticity and pride,” Rio added.
Neiphiu Rio and others during the inauguration of Nagaland
State Emporium Complex in Kohima on Friday. (EM Images)
At the emporium, he emphasised the need to bring all
products of rich traditions and culture, stating that all these should be
promoted on a commercial scale.
Rio stated that the state has been celebrating tribal
festivals in various districts where the tribal dresses, designs, motifs,
artefacts, and songs and dances are being promoted, alongside ethnic tribal
foods.
He asserted the need to document all these and, where
necessary, improvise—but with tribal-approved designs and colour combinations.
He also pointed out the lack of documented ingredients of Naga foods and
asserted the need for documentation and promotion.
Rio stated that the Hornbill Festival, which has reached
national and international platforms, allows people from across the world to
come to the state to experience the unique practices of traditions and cultures
that make Nagas stand out. The state government has been preserving these in
different forms, and he asserted the need to maintain originality.
He also stressed the need to produce more textiles such as
original cotton, loom, silks, and banana fibre, which are in high demand. He
advised that instead of selling raw materials, finished products should be sold
to fetch better prices.
Informing that he has been made the chairman of the Handloom
and Handicrafts in the North East—Way Forward, with other chief ministers as
members, he said that he is receiving briefings from the Handloom and
Handicrafts, Women Resources Department, and private weaving houses. He stated
that he has instructed those communities to produce on a commercial scale.
Rio assured that this year’s Hornbill Festival will be even
‘greater, bigger, and more famous,’ adding that the state is looking to invite
celebrities and world-renowned leaders—not only for the state but also to
attract tourists and a larger crowd so that there will be many buyers.
He emphasised that the new Nagaland State Emporium will be a
must-visit destination.
In this regard, he suggested that the NHHDC should engage
expert designers, local expert weavers, and women tribal artists to agree on
the production of designs, motifs, and colours from various tribes in different
sizes, which are duly approved.
He urged the departments and corporations concerned to
engage consultancies and designers to make samples, get them approved, and
initiate mass production—even for textiles—so as to encourage the weavers and
women in the state and the Northeast. He asserted that they can avail
themselves of micro-financing without any collateral.
The chief minister also highlighted the need to improve the
quality of production besides increasing quantity. He pointed out that the
state emporium in Kolkata is in very poor condition.
In this regard, Rio suggested that if the corporation cannot
manage well-designated places, it should lease them out to private
entrepreneurs to advertise the state’s products.
Furthermore, in order to improve production, Rio assured the
state government’s support and asserted the need for proposals from the
corporation.
Neiphiu
Rio and others during the launch of ‘Unity Shawl’ on Friday. (EM Images)
Meanwhile, Prasielie Pienyu, Chairman of NHHDC, said that
the project was initiated in 2013. He informed that the NHHDC currently runs
seven emporiums—one each in the metro cities of Delhi and Kolkata and five in
the state: Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung, Tuensang, and Phek.
He said that through these emporiums, the corporation is not
only promoting the unique and beautiful artisanal products of the state but
also fostering sustainable livelihoods, supporting local economies, and
ensuring that future generations enjoy and continue these age-old crafts.
He informed that the new complex that was inaugurated has
seven floors in all. In addition to housing the state emporium on the first
floor, the complex also has three floors of shopping area, a restaurant, a
library, and a well-furnished conference hall with two guest rooms.
The project was established at a total cost of INR 11.25
crore.
Neiphiu
Rio and others during the launch of ‘Unity Shawl’ on Friday. (EM Images)