By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 14: The Department of Commerce & Industries on Friday felicitated five craftspeople as the ‘Handicraft Artisans of the Year 2024-25’ during a ceremony held at the Directorate’s conference hall.
The awardees include Phras Syngkli (Ri-Bhoi), Gilford Pde (West Jaintia Hills), Mamsikha N. Sangma (West Garo Hills), Ensila D. Shira (East Garo Hills) and Wanstep Thangkhiew (Ri-Bhoi). Each recipient was presented with a cash prize of Rs 50,000, a trophy and a certificate.
The awards were handed over by the Director of Commerce & Industries, F. Sutnga, in the presence of Joint Director ML Wanshnong and other senior officials.
Representatives from the Meghalaya Handloom & Handicrafts Corporation Ltd, Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation Ltd, and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) also attended the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Sutnga stated that the awards recognise the dedication of artisans in preserving indigenous crafts passed down through generations.
He announced that the department would provide follow-up financial assistance to the awardees, including seed money for constructing work sheds, store rooms and sales outlets, as well as funds for tools and working capital.
The awardees will also be supported to train and mentor new artisans.
The Director further noted that the soon-to-be-functional Innovation & Research Centre (I&RC) will assist artisans with modern craft designs and product standardisation. The centre will be equipped with 3D printers and prototyping software.
Sutnga encouraged both current and past state awardees to contribute their regional knowledge to the centre to help refine local craft designs for contemporary markets.
