Kohima — With an objective to promote skills in traditional crafts among the youth, Vihutsumia Youth Organisation (VYO) on Saturday organised 'Bithobirhi Nyi' (handloom and handicraft festival) at Kudagei in Mezoma village.
Petehetuo Miasalhou, principal of Nagaland Tool Room and Training Centre (NTTC), Dimapur, who was also the special guest, has called for efforts to revive culture and acquire skill development for livelihood. Observing that the age-old skills in handloom and handicrafts are on the verge of vanishing, he has commended the efforts of VYO for organising the programme.
He exuded hope that the people would collectively give efforts to promote the skills.
Highlighting the importance of skill development, the principal said some have inborn talent and are creative, while some need to be trained. He, therefore, stressed on skills in order to be self-reliant.
While citing various sets of skills such as in IT and electronics, service industry, tourism industry among others, he stated that handloom and handicrafts are the areas where even people from the villages could do well. He also expounded on the need in forming cluster to meet the market demands and also make the products available throughout the seasons.
He further emphasised on the need for promotion of tourism in the village.
Keviseto Rhitso, advisor of VYO, said the programme was organised to preserve the craftsmanship and impart skills among its members. Reminding that in the olden days the forefathers were hard working and engaged themselves in handloom and handicrafts, he said the present generations are not putting much effort.
He added that the event was organised with an objective to revive the age-old crafts and to learn folk songs for the first time. Rhitso further informed that the organisation would organise such events in a bigger manner to skill the youth.
The festival was marked by exhibition of handloom products and handicrafts as well as live demonstrations on making of various bamboo, woods and woolen products among the elders and youngsters.