Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurates Nagaland State Emporium Complex

• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• “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.
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  Neiphiu Rio and others during the inauguration of Nagaland State Emporium Complex in Kohima on Friday. (EM Images)

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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.

Also read: Unity fuels progress and hope for the future, says Nagaland Minister Metsubo Jamir

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• 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.
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• 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.
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• He emphasised that the new Nagaland State Emporium will be a must-visit destination.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• Furthermore, in order to improve production, Rio assured the state government’s support and asserted the need for proposals from the corporation.
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• Neiphiu Rio and others during the launch of ‘Unity Shawl’ on Friday. (EM Images)

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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• The project was established at a total cost of INR 11.25 crore.