Shillong, Jan 17: Witness the unmatched artistry of traditional silks like Eri and Muga, alongside revolutionary uses for fibres like hemp, sisal, and bamboo. The three-day National Symposium on “Threads of Heritage: Exploring Traditional Textiles and Natural Fibres”, organised by the College of Community Science, CAU (Imphal), Tura, will showcase how the past can shape the future.
The three-day event from January 27–29, 2025 at the College of Post-Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Umiam, Meghalaya will bring together the best of India’s textile heritage and cutting-edge innovations in sustainable fibres. From expert talks and live demonstrations to cultural exhibitions and networking opportunities, every moment promises to inspire and connect attendees with the next big opportunities in textiles and eco-friendly industries.
The symposium will be a dedicated platform to explore India’s rich textile traditions, sustainable fibre innovations, and economic opportunities in natural fibre industries. The seminar will highlight India’s rich heritage in traditional textiles and natural fibres, with a special focus on Northeast India’s unique resources like banana, pineapple, bamboo, and ramie fibres. It aims to bring together experts, artisans, and policymakers to explore the cultural significance of heritage textiles and their potential for sustainable practices and economic growth.
DrDryoti Vastrad, Dean of the College, said natural fibres and heritage textiles play a crucial role in realizing India’s economic aspirations, particularly through sustainability and global market potential.
“India’s traditional textiles and indigenous fibre industries embody a rich legacy that not only preserves cultural heritage but also drives economic growth. This symposium seeks to unite experts, researchers, and entrepreneurs to promote innovation and sustainability in this vital sector.”
She emphasized the untapped potential of Northeast India’s resources, such as fibres derived from banana pseudostems, ramie, jute, sisal, flax and pineapple leaf fibre, for eco-fashion and technical textiles. Additionally, tribal weaves, handwoven fabrics, and silks like eri and muga were recognized as hallmarks of craftsmanship and cultural heritage, offering significant export opportunities on a global scale.
The symposium will have technical sessions and panel discussions covering sustainable cultivation, fibre processing innovations, natural fibres for health and wellness, and the economic impact of textiles.
Traditional handloom fabrics, indigenous weaves, and eco-friendly fibre products will be shown and there will be engaging sessions for artisans, start-ups, and textile entrepreneurs to explore emerging markets and branding opportunities.
The symposium will particularly highlight natural fibres from Northeast India, including banana pseudostem fibre, pineapple leaf fibre, jute, hemp, sisal and ramie, along with wool and traditional silk varieties like Eri and Muga. These fibres hold immense potential in sustainable fashion, eco-friendly packaging, and industrial applications.
