Share
Our Reporter
Dimapur, Aug. 28 (EMN): A special cover (envelope) of Chakhesang shawl, a geographical indication (GI) approved traditional product of Nagaland, was released on Saturday at the office of the Postmaster General in Dimapur.
L Imtikumzuk informed that 2000 special covers were printed and added that there would be no other print edition. He also informed that the chief minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, released a special cover on Raja Mircha (King chilli) earlier this month on August 15 and updated that the next special cover would be on Naga tomato, which has also got a GI tag.
Speaking at the programme, the Postmaster General of North East-II Region Som Kamei said that the special cover release was usually done to signify an important event or milestone of any important organisation or highlight and bring focus on that particular event or product.
He stressed on the importance of GI tag citing that it provides legal protection and prevents unauthorised use by others. He stated that the North East Postal Circle has taken the initiative to release special covers on various GI products of Northeast India.
A copy of today’s special cover would be put on display in the Philatelic Museum in New Delhi and copies would be sold all over India, thereby highlighting its GI association with Nagaland, he added. He also thanked the Chakhesang Women Welfare Society (CWWS) for agreeing to release the special cover.
Also speaking at the programme, Nezelu Nyekha, CWWS executive director, shared that the society was formed in 1986, which is a community-based society, where every Chakhesang woman is a member. One of the main objectives of the society was to promote and protect cultural and traditional heritage, she said.
She added that the society is extensively working in the field of textile and weaving in order to revive and keep the traditional knowledge alive. She stated that every line in the traditional shawls has different stories to tell. She further shared that with acquisition of GI tag, the weavers are now able to earn more as compared to the past.