Special Handloom Expo 2018-2019 begins in Imphal

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, March 30, 2019: A special Handloom Expo 2018-2019 started on Saturday at the Gandhi Memorial Hall, Imphal. The 16 day long expo is organised by Manipur Apex Handloom Weavers and Handicrafts Artisans Cooperative Society Ltd (AWAS), Paona Bazar, Imphal.

Speaking as Chief Guest at the inaugural event, Padmashree L. Subadani Devi expressed the need of promoting handloom products and encouraging weavers and artisans to develop unique designs. Many weavers and artisans of Manipur have achieved various National and International awards in the handloom production, she appealed weavers and artisans to maintain quality.

K. Indira Devi, President, Manipur Apex Handloom Weavers and Handicrafts Artisans Cooperative Society Ltd (AWAS) said that handloom expos or melas are providing platforms to the weavers to showcase their products. She added that not only female weavers, male weavers have also begun to participate in handloom expos and melas. The Apex Handloom Weavers and Handicrafts Artisans Cooperative Society Limited will continue to work for the welfare and development of weavers and artisans of Manipur by organising melas, exhibitions. She further appealed to weavers to come to Apex Handloom for any grievances pertaining to their work.

C. Rajashekaran, Officer-in-charge, Weavers Service Centre (WSC) said that so far in 2019, two national handloom expo, three special handloom expo and one district level handloom expo were successfully organised in Manipur.

S. Bhubol, Board Director, AWAS (Apex Handloom), Manipur said that organising handloom expos and exhibitions at the right time and place is to give opportunity of marketing facilities and special handloom expo is being organised with an aim to facilitate both the buyers and sellers.

Altogether 81 handloom weavers and artisans are taking part in this expo organised under the sponsorship of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.