Will Tawang’s Eri Silk production centre revive Arunachal Pradesh’s ancient industry?

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<strong>With the objective of reconnecting the ancient ties of silk industry with Arunachal Pradesh and generating sustainable employment for the local people, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission has set up the second Khadi Eri Silk Training Cum Production Centre in Tawang .</strong></p>
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The Centre was inaugurated by KVIC Chairman, Vinai Kumar Saxena. Talking to the media, he said: “This facility in Tawang will be a big boost to spinning and weaving activities in the entire region. Training of artisans and supporting the production of Eri Silk, which is indigenous to the North Eastern states, will create local employment and sustainable development in the region. Young designers and professionals of NIFT will also provide training to Khadi artisans at this centre to introduce new designs and develop trendier clothing to suit the modern taste of tribal youths.”</p>
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<img alt="" src="https://www.indianarrative.com/upload/news/Khadi_Eri_Silk_Centre2.jpg" style="width: 720px; height: 480px;" /></p>
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The Centre located at an altitude of 14,000 feet and bordering China and Bhutan was set up with assistance from Buddhist Culture Preservation Society, Bomdila who provided the building while KVIC arranged for infrastructure like handlooms, charkha, silk reeling machines and warping drums.</p>
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The Centre will provide direct employment to 20 women artisans of Tawang and West Kameng districts.</p>
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<img alt="" src="https://www.indianarrative.com/upload/news/Khadi_Eri_Silk_Centre3.jpg" style="width: 720px; height: 480px;" /></p>
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Silk has been a part of people of North East but with the availability of low-quality silk it gravely affected the local industry. The tribals of Arunachal Pradesh like to wear Eri Silk.</p>
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The Commission also intends to bring in tourists visiting Tawang to this Centre to generate demand.</p>
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<img alt="" src="https://www.indianarrative.com/upload/news/Khadi_Eri_Silk_Centre4.jpg" style="width: 720px; height: 480px;" /></p>
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In 2020, the first Centre was established in Chullyu village. In December the same year, KVIC revived the 1,000 years old heritage Monpa Handmade Paper Industry in Tawang. This was appreciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his monthly radio programme “Mann ki Baat”.</p>