The chief minister drew a striking parallel between art of weaving and tradition of building living root bridges
Shillong, Jan 28: Chief minister Conrad Sangma has emphasised the need to preserve and promote indigenous weaving traditions in a rapidly modernising world.
Addressing a national symposium on “Threads of Heritage: Exploring Traditional Textiles and Natural Fibres” at College of Community Science, CAU (I) at Umiam, the chief minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reviving and sustaining its traditional textile industry.
He called on entrepreneurs, weavers, and investors to collaborate and make the most of the state’s strengths in natural fibres.
Madhya Pradesh MLA and former minister Archana Chitnis, Central Agricultural University (Imphal) vice-chancellor Anupam Mishra along with artisans, weavers, researchers, and investors from across the country attended the occasion.
“This symposium has not just brought people together; it has woven a shared vision for the future of traditional textiles in India,” the chief minister said.
Describing weaving as a living expression of heritage, deeply embedded in Meghalaya’s traditions, he said, “When you weave, you are not just creating fabric; you are weaving history, culture, and identity into every thread.”
The chief minister further drew a striking parallel between the art of weaving and the ancient tradition of building living root bridges in Meghalaya, where generations of Khasi and Jaintia tribes have patiently woven the roots of rubber trees over decades to create sturdy bridges.
Reflecting on a recent visit to one such bridge in a village called Siej, he shared, “I met a man who has been weaving a root bridge for 60 years—he started as a boy, and now it stands strong, a symbol of resilience and tradition. Like that bridge, our textiles are not just products; they are a living legacy, woven with patience, skill, and generational wisdom.”
He urged artisans to take pride in their craft and recognise that their work is more than a livelihood—it is an act of cultural preservation.
He also announced a major initiative to develop a dedicated bamboo and natural fibre industrial cluster, which will provide artisans and entrepreneurs with infrastructure, funding, and market linkages.
“Meghalaya is blessed with abundant bamboo, banana fibre, eri silk, and other natural resources. We must harness these in a way that benefits both the environment and the livelihoods of our people,” he said.
He reiterated that bamboo, in particular, holds immense potential and that the government is committed to making Meghalaya a leading hub for sustainable natural fibres.
Recognising the economic potential of traditional weaving, Sangma highlighted Meghalaya’s efforts to boost entrepreneurship through programs like PRIME Meghalaya, which has been recognized nationally for fostering startups and small businesses.
Thousands of artisans and textile entrepreneurs have benefited from these initiatives, receiving crucial support in financing, marketing, and technological upgrades.
“Our artisans and weavers have extraordinary talent, but they need the right tools to compete in today’s global market. That’s where the government is stepping in,” he reassured.
He also spoke passionately about the power of storytelling in marketing traditional textiles, explaining that modern consumers want to connect with the story behind the fabric.
“People don’t just buy textiles; they buy the history, the craftsmanship, the human touch behind it. We need to find ways to share these stories—through branding, social media, and even tourism,” he urged.
The symposium also celebrated the achievements of artisans such as Padmashri Hemoprova Chutia from Assam, recognised for her innovative weaving of sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita using Muga silk; Oman Siram Taki from Arunachal Pradesh, who turned her skill in loin loom weaving into a cottage industry that uplifts local women; and Meghalaya’s own Anita Koch and Efredena R Marak, who have played key roles in preserving traditional Koch and Garo weaving while creating employment for rural women.
Others, such as Rejinald Khiangte were acknowledged for providing sustainable alternatives to mining-dependent livelihoods through cooperative initiatives.
The symposium, held in collaboration with ICAR-NINFET Kolkata, ICAR-CICR Nagpur, and Deendayal Research Institute, brought together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the future of traditional textiles in a global sustainable fashion market.
CAU (I) vice-chancellor Dr Anupam Mishra stressed the importance of documenting and researching indigenous weaving techniques to preserve this invaluable knowledge.
“We must integrate technology and storytelling to create global demand for our rich handloom heritage,” he stated.
Madhya Pradesh MLA Archana Chitnis highlighted economic potential of traditional textiles, saying, “If we connect tradition with technology and a market-smart approach, India’s handloom sector has a bright future.”
