Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 16 2009:
With an aim to provide a meeting platform between artisans and customers and offer a chance to showcase the talents of State artisans, Social Development Organisation (SDO) opened a crafts bazar at Hapta Kangjeibung today.
The 10-day SDO Crafts Bazar is being organised under the sponsorship of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) of Union Ministry of Textiles.
Planning and Development Authority (PDA) Chairman Dr Kh Loken and (retired) Senior Grade Lecturer of Imphal College, L Kamakhyakumar Singh graced the inaugural function as chief guest and president respectively.
Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) Director (NER) S Dkhar, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) Assistant Director R Rolley and State Directorate of Commerce and Industries Additional Director V Tualthang were also present in the function as guests of honour.
Speaking at the function, Dr Kh Loken said that the State Government has plans to specially develop Hapta Kangjebung as a place for organising fairs on the lines of Pragati Maidan of New Delhi.
He added that development of basic amenities like providing drinking water facilities would be taken up at the ground with consultation with Imphal Municipal Council (IMC).
Regarding craft products of the State, the MLA said that State artisans had to travel to other States to sell or exhibit their products in the past.
To ease this problem, the Government has now made arrangements for the artisans by organising such fairs in the State, he added.
Loken further said that State craft products are being exported to foreign countries with the support of Union Ministry of Textiles.
With the introduction of scientific methods and innovative ideas, State craft products have now become more popular in foreign countries, Loken added.
Director (NER) S Dkhar said that special focus would be made on the production of craft items which are more acceptable to market and customers by imparting innovative training to artisans.
Artisans must concentrate more on designs and customer needs in developing their products, Dhakhar added.
Regarding State crafts, he said that kouna crafts are very popular outside the State having huge potential for profit.
He also said his Department would try to organise a fair exclusively meant for kouna crafts in the State.
Assistant Director Rolley said that organising such fair in the State offers a good chance for the artisans to showcase their talents to the customers.
The SDO Craft Bazar, which will continue till November 25 has around 100 stalls showcasing craft skills on embroidery, kouna crafts, wood carving and doll making etc.