KOKRAJHAR, Dec 15 - The handloom products of Bodoland have been able to explore both national and international markets and provide scope for the local weavers to exhibit talents, said Promila Rani Brahma, former Agriculture Minister and MLA of 30 Kokrajhar East while inaugurating the National Handloom Expo, 2015-16 at Sudempuri here today.
Speaking during the inaugural programme, Brahma also said that the Bodoland Regional Apex Weavers and Artisan Cooperative Federation (BRAWFED) has been promoting national handloom expo for the past several years in Bodoland and other areas with an objective to encourage artisans among local communities to sell their products and participate in fairs and exhibit skills to attract and support the handloom industry of the area.
Talking to mediapersons, NN Rana Patgiri, MD of BRAWFED said that the Ministry of Textiles has sanctioned Rs 36 lakhs to organise this expo against a budget expenditure of Rs 45 lakh, and the remaining Rs 9 lakh will be contributed by the BTC for this 21-day-long fair that will conclude on January 4 next.
Altogether 72 participants from BTC and outside areas, including other parts of the country, are taking part in the fair. A theme pavilion has been set up to display hand-woven products and to demonstrate weaving devices, he added. He also informed that on special evenings, there will be musical nights, fashion shows on Bodoland hand-woven fabrics, along with seminars, workshop and quiz, among others, he said.
Meanwhile, Promila Rani Brahma lit the ceremonial lamp and the inaugural programme was presided over by Binod Narzary, Chairperson of BRAWFED. Film actress Chetana Das, amongst others, was also present on the occasion.
