Can our handloom be "inclusive"?

Media reports say "The colours and cultures of the Northeast, as defined in its array of attires, will be woven together in a show styled the Magical Threads of the Northeast to be held here from Wednesday" (July 28, 2010). Media reports also say: "The Fashion Society, Shillong, is showcasing the event to help fashion designers and models popularize the handloom tradition of the region in 3 cities - Shillong, Calcutta and Mumbai." Apparently, the event would highlight the uniqueness of the Northeast by focusing on its handloom and weavers. By showcasing the Magical Threads of the Northeast, the organizers hope to create more awareness about tribal weavers who weave their folk stories and culture in their shawls or garments. The theme of the event would be is "Where tribal tradition meets modernity". Sounds very encouraging and very innovative, doesn't it? It also sounds as if by this event, our handloom and weavers would make it to the top of the fashion ladder, doesn't it? While the intention of this Editorial is not to demean or put a damper on the very laudable efforts put into this event, it is imperative that we are a little more realistic than we usually are. First thing first, why are our younger generation more into brands than into our tribal handloom and woven fabrics? Shouldn't our youngsters be encouraged to provide the market for our handloom and reward the labour of our weavers by patronizing their products? After all, how much of our handloom and woven fabric meets market demands? If we don't buy our own goods, who will? Moreover, shouldn't we also study why our handloom doesn't get the expected space and demand in the market? How much can we hope to earn by models walking on the ramp in our handloom? And how relevant is our handloom in the daily lives of models and others, who can really create demands for our handloom? As an ethno-fashion event, such events are very attractive to the bored rich who can afford 'ethnic' distractions but from the purely business perspective, do the investments put into such events earn a respectable return? It's all very fine to take pride in our handloom and other aspects of our culture but how marketable are they in today's mechanized world that looks for minimum investment but maximum returns? And let's not forget that today a young girl would rather go for a branded outfit than a mekhela for a social event because even the branded outfit could turn out to be cheaper and the brand would give her a status symbol as an "in" person. To be included in the crowd is so important to youngsters but can our handloom be "inclusive"? Sometime very soon we have to move beyond being ethnic and exotic, without losing our ethnicity and cultural moorings, and endeavour to integrate into a world that respects only the economically viable and economically-unchallenged. Once we achieve a certain level of entry in this world, we can party all we want and we can gainfully employ ourselves in fashion events that would provide a major boost to our ethnic egos. Imagine the revenue we would earn if our youngsters decided to go 'ethnic' vis-à-vis fashion, in their daily lives? By all means, let us continue show-casing because it appears that we in the Northeast not only have a penchant for show-casing but also a very special talent for the same. Let's make the best use of it and hope that someday soon, we would hit the jackpot and we would start earning the big bucks. Meanwhile, let's also make the best use of the funds that the Union Government is so generous with in the interest of encouraging our handloom and other ethnic prides we nurture in our hearts, with the hope that such distraction would keep us from demanding what's rightfully ours.

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Gratitude to Rural Department (NREGS)

Dear Madam,

Nokyan village of Noklak Sub-Division under Tuensang district has deeply expressed gratitude to Rural Development in general. The special gratitude goes to spot officer, Hejila, BDO Noklak with her staff who has tirelessly adviced to the villagers for the implementation of NREGS since 2008 till date. We also give thanks to the project Director DRDA Tuensang Imtiangshi and his staff who has enthusiastically encouraged the villagers for the utilization of NREGA Schemes. The same method of work culture has been encouraged by our leader P Longon, Minister for Soil and Water Conservation and Land Resources Development, Nagaland, Kohima.  With those support and advices the Nokyan Village could construct the approach road from Nokyan village to Chase project as above 6 km with 3 big culverts and a bridge respectively. These are the works which we never expected before. This is because of our able and capable leader, Pangnyu Phom, Parliamentary Secretary of RD Department under the leadership of dynamic leader Neiphiu Rio Chief Minister of Nagaland. We will always cherish for their good programmes and deeds for the downtrodden and poor rural people.

Mongchon, Secretary

S Koi, Head GB

Penglang, GB

Pengchang

Lusha

Lamthio

MGNREGS Committee on behalf of Nokyan village