"Our handlooms and handicrafts are not just products; they are a reflection of our tradition and our way of life. They carry the story of India in every thread." – Shri Narendra Modi

At NEHHDC, we are deeply committed to carrying forward the legacy, traditions, and the rich stories of our weavers and artisans, particularly from the North East of India. Our unwavering dedication and shared vision have driven us to achieve remarkable milestones and elevate the livelihoods of those at the grassroots level. Through the hard work and dedication of our dynamic team, we have been able to support our weavers, artisans, and entrepreneurs in making significant strides, both within the country and on the international stage.

A pivotal achievement in our journey has been facilitating the participation of 14 entrepreneurs from the North Eastern Region (NER) in TEXWORLD PARIS 2024, an initiative sponsored by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), Government of India. This initiative was a strategic move to showcase the indigenous silks and textiles of NER to the European market, thereby enhancing export opportunities for our artisans. As we continue to broaden our global reach, our sights are now set on Seoul as the next destination.

Building on the tremendous success of Vividhata ka Amrit Mahotsav, we are thrilled to announce that Rashtrapati Bhawan has granted NEHHDC the honor of hosting the Bhartiya Kala Mahotsav at Rashtrapati Nilayam in Hyderabad, in October 2024. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the growing recognition of North East India's cultural heritage on a national stage, celebrating the traditions that shape our nation.

In line with our mission to preserve and promote the region's rich silk heritage, we are excited about the establishment of the Eri Silk Rearing and Production Experience Center (ESRPEC) at our Garchuk campus. This center will further our efforts to ensure that the age-old silk traditions are passed down to future generations and continue to thrive.

The 10th National Handloom Day, celebrated on 7th August, was a significant milestone for NEHHDC. We had the honor of hosting Padmashree award winner, Smt. N. Sorhie from Nagaland, as our chief guest, alongside participation from weavers across the NER. This event marked the official launch of our Digital Media Campaign for the Handloom Digitalisation Project and the re-launch of Purbashree.com, offering a refreshed look and enhanced experience for our online customers. A proud moment for us came when Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia recognized NEHHDC’s Market Development through Digitalization, Authentication, and Implementing Traceability in the Handloom Sector of NER project in one of his social media posts. This project is transformative for the beneficiaries, as it will provide IoT devices to 10,000 weavers, ensuring the authenticity of their products through geolocation and other vital details. By seamlessly blending technology with heritage, we aim to turn traditional handlooms into "Smartlooms," empowering our weavers with the tools they need to thrive in the modern market.

As part of the same project, NEHHDC has also organized design workshops for the weavers, along with an interactive session on ONDC, to educate them on expanding their market through technology and design interventions. This initiative directly benefits our artisans, enabling them to reach a broader audience and command fair prices for their craft.

We are also thrilled to announce that NEHHDC will soon offer services through a NABL Accredited Textile Testing Lab and the NEHHDC Silk Testing Centre, recognized by the Central Silk Board. This will help our weavers and artisans produce export-quality products, ensuring that they are ready for international markets. Additionally, NEHHDC has received the GI tag authorization for the design and production of high-quality Gamusa, further affirming our commitment to quality and tradition.

In our continued efforts to uplift the weavers and artisans of Nagaland, NEHHDC recently engaged in discussions with the Nagaland Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation (NHHDC), exploring possible collaborations. We are pleased to announce that NEHHDC will be signing an MOU with NHHDC, making them our state partner for Nagaland. This partnership will ensure that our initiatives reach the artisans who need them the most, providing them with opportunities for growth and development.

Another pioneering initiative of NEHHDC, Tejaswini, Assam Ideathon 2024 - Empowering Women, Igniting Innovation, sponsored by the Women Cell, Industries, Commerce, and Public Enterprise Department, Government of Assam, has marked a significant step in empowering the entrepreneurial women of Assam. The business idea contest for women between the age of 18-50 yrs attracted nearly 1,600 registrations from across the state, with participants eagerly pitching their ideas and business cases to a distinguished jury and domain experts. The final event is tentatively scheduled for the last week of August’24.

NEHHDC continues to expand its impact through our Skill Development Training Programs and Entrepreneurship cum Skill Development Programs (ESDP) across North East India. Ongoing projects such as the North East (Ashtalaxmi) Haat & Experience Centre at the NEHHDC CPEC campus in Garchuk are nearing completion, and our "Yarn on Wheels" initiative, which delivers subsidized and quality yarn directly to weavers, has garnered considerable interest among the weavers of our region. Moreover, we have facilitated several internships for students from premier institutes across India, ensuring that the next generation is well-equipped with knowledge and experience in the traditional crafts sector.

As we move forward, NEHHDC remains committed to preserving our heritage, fostering innovation, and achieving excellence. Our belief in our vision and our team's dedication will continue to drive us towards even greater success, ensuring that the benefits of our initiatives reach the grassroots level, empowering our weavers, artisans, and entrepreneurs.

Together, we will keep soaring to new heights.

Jai Hind!

Brig. R. K. Singh (Retd.)

Managing Director, NEHHDC