TAWANG, OCT 22:
The Arunachal Pradesh Khadi and Village Industries Board (APKVIB), in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology’s Technology Enabling Centre at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), Doimukh, and Khadi Institution Youth Action for Social Welfare (YASW), Tawang, organised a training-cum-workshop on natural fibre utilisation for Daphne handmade paper and handicrafts in Tawang on Thursday.
APKVIB chairman Maling Gombu attended the programme as chief guest, while Dr Krishna Kanth Pulicherla, senior scientist and director in the Union Ministry of Science and Technology, presided over the event. Tawang Zila Parishad Member Sonam Nordzin was the guest of honour.
Addressing the gathering, Gombu stressed the need to strengthen village industries by combining traditional knowledge and indigenous skills with scientific research and modern technology. He highlighted the role of RGU’s Technology Enabling Centre in facilitating innovation and technological support for the sustainable development of rural enterprises.
Calling for the revival of traditional industries and declining art forms, Gombu highlighted the potential of Arunachal Pradesh’s indigenous industrial heritage, including its nearly 1,000-year-old handmade paper tradition, pottery, Eri and Oak Tussar silk production, woodcraft, cane and bamboo industries, natural dyes, incense-stick making and oil extraction from soybean and other locally cultivated crops.
He said these industries could generate rural employment, promote entrepreneurship and increase incomes if supported by improved processing techniques, product innovation, quality enhancement and stronger market linkages.
Gombu emphasised that traditional industries should not be preserved merely as cultural practices but developed into economically sustainable and commercially viable enterprises capable of attracting younger generations. He called for closer collaboration among APKVIB, scientific institutions, artisans and community organisations to connect traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Rakesh Jain, United Nations Industrial Development Organization expert and former director of the Kumarappa National Handmade Paper Institute under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, highlighted the livelihood potential of natural fibre-based industries. He stressed skill development, technological advancement and market-oriented production to strengthen rural enterprises and improve the economic prospects of artisan communities.
Nordzin underscored the importance of grassroots participation and community involvement in promoting rural livelihoods. She encouraged local communities to use their traditional skills and available resources to create sustainable economic opportunities.
Dr Rahul Chandra Kushwaha of RGU’s Technology Enabling Centre delivered the welcome address, while YASW secretary Tenzin Samcho proposed the vote of thanks.
The workshop highlighted the importance of combining traditional knowledge, technological support and institutional collaboration to revive village industries, strengthen natural fibre-based enterprises and preserve Arunachal Pradesh’s cultural and industrial heritage.
