IMPHAL, Manipur: Chief Minister of Manipur N Biren Singh launched the Manipur Heritage Expo 2022 on June 6. The expo aims to highlight and popularise the rich cultural legacy of the handloom and handicraft items of the state handicraftsmen.
Manipur Heritage Expo 2022 has been organised by the Directorate of Handlooms and Textiles, Government of Manipur. The expo also aims to revive and popularise the unique cultural heritage of the state.
During the expo, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the ‘Amazon Karigar’ and Manipur Handlooms & Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited (MHHDCL). The ‘Amazon Karigar’ is an online platform where a majority of the items are sourced locally from the people of the country.
Also, the Manipur government has joined hands with one of the biggest e-commerce entity, Amazon, to launch ‘Panthoibi Emporium’. An online platform, which will cater to the needs of more than 300,000 artisans, weavers and other tribal communities residing in the state. These artisans and weavers could use the platform to sell their products like handmade clothes, handbags, hats and terracotta items, including the Kauna craft. Kauna craft got its name due to the usage of Kauna wood or water reeds in the making of goods such as baskets, wallets and bags. Manipur Rani Phee, a handmade silk shawl is also on the platform. This platform will also support the popularisation of the GI tagged products such as chilli, lemon and oranges along with the other products such as forest forage tea and black rice.
Sumit Sahay, Director of Selling Partner Services, Amazon India said that the programme aims to digitalise 10 million small enterprises by the end of 2025.
CM Singh, on this occasion, appreciated the efforts of Department officials, while also emphasising the zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. He also highlighted the importance of obtaining the GI tag for the traditional items and crafts and distributed 2475 looms to the people across 16 districts in the state.
CM Singh posted on his Twitter account, “Attended the Manipur Heritage Expo-2022 in Imphal today wherein an MoU was signed between the Amazon Karigar and Manipur Handlooms & Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited (MHHDCL). Also, distributed 2475 looms to the people of 16 districts of Manipur.” Along with the Chief Minister, some Members of the state Legislative Assembly, Nemcha Kipgen, S Ranjan Singh and L Rameshwor, along with the other state officials, were also present during the inauguration ceremony.