‘IIM can be handloom & handicraft promotion forerunner in India’

SHILLONG: Director in-charge of Handloom and Handicrafts Development Co-operation Limited Shillong, M. Pariat, in an event said that the Indian Institute of Managements (IIM) can be the forerunners in the promotion of handlooms and handicrafts in the country.
Pariat made the statement while addressing a programme organised on the occasion of National Handloom Day, which is going to be celebrated across the country on August 7, and Saturday’s programme was the pre-cursor to the mega event and to generate awareness on the importance of handloom.
The director also pointed out that since the IIMs play an important role in strategising policies and programmes, the students should undertake research and case studies as this will enable them to understand more about the handloom industry. He was referring to the potential of handlooms in the North East and the prospect of research and case studies which can help in promoting the industry. The director opined that Meghalaya handloom and handicrafts have many unique features and this can be marketed for promotion of the handloom industry.
“We need to give identity to the products and the people.” Handloom and handicrafts can bring economic development if there is proper strategy, he added.
A cultural troupe from the Song and Drama Division, Ministry of I& B performed a play on the measures taken up by the Government for promotion of handloom and handicrafts among the rural masses, during the programme. A quiz competition was also organised for better participation of audience on the occasion. The programme was attended by weavers, artisans and students from IIM Shillong.