Focus on manufacture of Meghalaya-specific souvenirs/mementoes
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Friday launched the Skill Development Programme on Zardozi Embroidery Craft and Training Facilitation to skill rural entrepreneurs to manufacture Meghalaya-specific souvenirs/mementoes. The training programme, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship among women and youth, was launched during a function at Laban Sports Club ground.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the programme was a humble beginning aimed at creating the much needed skilled workforce in the State.
“The government is out to create opportunities and this particular sector (Zardozi craft) has been identified as a potential area which can present a lot of scope to entrepreneurs as there is no limit to creativity,” Sangma said.
Zardozi is a type of embroidery in India, Iran, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Referring to the initiative of the government to project the State as a tourist destination, the Chief Minister said that with the number of tourists wanting to visit Meghalaya it becomes incumbent upon the State to create a network which will enable people to have access to souvenirs which match global standards.
He also said that the training in Meghalaya-specific souvenirs/mementos would also open up spaces for producing decorative items for Christmas and other festivals.
“The potential entrepreneurs from the State can also coordinate with skilled workforce across the globe to produce exclusive items,” he added.
Earlier in his address, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Industries, P W Ingty, informed that the training focused on entrepreneurship for women and youth opening opportunities of self employment. He also informed that 1200 trainees have registered for Zardozi training that will be given for six months in batches in various places across the state. The training on Meghalaya-specific souvenirs/mementos will be for duration of two to three months and 480 registered trainees will be trained at Shillong and Tura.
It may be mentioned that Zardozi craft attained its summit in the 17th Century under the patronage of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Zardozi embroidery is beautiful metal embroidery, which once used to embellish the attire of the Kings and the royals in India. It was also used to adorn walls of the royal tents, scabbards, wall hangings and the paraphernalia of regal elephants and horses. Zardozi embroidery work involves making elaborate designs, using gold and silver threads. Further adding to the magnificence of the work are the studded pearls and precious stones. Initially, the embroidery was done with pure silver wires and real gold leaves. However, today, craftsmen make use of a combination of copper wire, with a golden or silver polish, and a silk thread.