The inauguration of the Capacity Building and Orientation Programme for Cluster Development Executives and Textile Designers, focusing on the Purul Handloom Cluster, marked a pivotal moment in the journey towards revitalizing the handloom industry. Hosted under the aegis of the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP), Ministry of Textiles, this event commenced on Monday, the 16th of January, 2023, at the vibrant Panthoibi Arcade in Wangkhei, Imphal, beginning promptly at 09:30 AM. Over the course of ten enlightening days, this initiative aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to catalyze sustainable growth and innovation within the Purul Handloom Cluster.

              The distinguished panel of resource persons, comprising luminaries from diverse backgrounds, illuminated the path forward for the participants. Shri Mutua Bahadur, the esteemed Director of Mutua Museum, brought his expertise in heritage preservation to the fore, inspiring a sense of pride and tradition among attendees. Alongside him stood Shri K. Lamlee Kamei, the Director of Handlooms & Textiles, whose visionary leadership laid the groundwork for a renaissance in handloom craftsmanship.

              Academic excellence found representation in the form of Shri Dr. S. Sureshkumar, a revered faculty member at VMIMS Manipur University, whose scholarly insights enriched the discourse. Smt. Aurineeta Das, hailing from NIFT Shillong, infused creativity and innovation into the discussions, urging participants to explore new frontiers in textile design.

               The practical aspects of industry engagement were elucidated by Shri E. Jeeten Singh, the astute Managing Director of MHHDC Ltd., who provided valuable insights into market dynamics and business strategies. Shri M. Ibohal Singh, the dedicated Officer in Charge/ HoO at WSC, Imphal, shared his wealth of experience, guiding participants on navigating the challenges and opportunities within the handloom sector.

               Professor Rajmani Aheibam bridged the gap between theory and practice, offering interdisciplinary perspectives on sustainable development and community engagement. Furthermore, Shri Y. Shantikumar Singh, the dynamic Officer-in-charge of marketing at the National Handloom Development Corporation Ltd. (NHDC), shared invaluable insights into market trends and consumer behavior, empowering participants to leverage their skills and talents effectively.

               The presence of Cluster Development Executive A. Loha and Textile Designer Komuni Kashiprii from the Purul Handloom Cluster underscored the grassroots engagement essential for driving meaningful change within the industry. Their active participation symbolized a collective commitment towards revitalizing traditional crafts and promoting economic empowerment at the grassroots level.

               Throughout the programme, participants engaged in a diverse range of workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions tailored to their needs. Topics such as market analysis, branding strategies, sustainable practices, and government initiatives were explored in depth, empowering participants to become agents of change within their communities.

                As the curtains drew on this transformative event, the echoes of collaboration and camaraderie resonated across the hall. The inauguration of the Capacity Building and Orientation Programme not only heralded a new chapter in the journey of handloom development but also signaled a renewed sense of purpose and determination among stakeholders. Armed with newfound knowledge and inspiration, participants embarked on their respective paths, poised to shape a brighter future for the Purul Handloom Cluster and the broader handloom industry.