Morung Express News
September 11
DIMAPUR: The recently concluded District Level Event Festival Exhibition cum Sale at Dimapur Club organized by the Nagaland Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation Ltd (NHHDC) and sponsored by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, received a very low response from the general public. It was surprising for the reason that this kind of events usually received encouraging, if not cost-effective, response from the public if likened exhibitions in the recent past are anything to go by. “The turn-up, comparing to last month exhibition, has increased a bit” said S. Meren, a member of the Organizing Committee. He also added that the reason for the low turn-out of people might be due to ‘economic problems’ facing the buyers and the increase in the level of mercury might have contributed to the cause too.
Nonetheless, most of the exhibitors had a different story to tell altogether “We the Nagas think that the products we produce in our own homes and towns are very low in quality and don’t prefer the indigenous products” lamented a stall owner. Even in its fourth day of the event the participants are still yet to see that much of patrons dropping in to have so much as a look at the products on display. A concerned visitor at the event too expressed unhappiness at the poor response shown by the public. “The artisans and the participants need a helping hand if we want to ensure our artisans are to compete and excel” he said.
About 30 odd stalls had to face the snub of the public if the number of visitors dropping into for the event is anything to go by. Many of the booth owners had expressed dismay that the people were uninterested in what they had to offer which ranged from handicraft, handloom products and flower items to piece carvings. “I got only about three customers for the last four days” said a stall owner selling handloom products. “I’ve participated in many other such exhibitions but this is the worst” she added. The same story of disappointment was expressed by almost all the participants. “If this is the attitude of the people how are we going to make a living?” asked one disappointed stall keeper with bamboo/wood items.
Khos Zhasa, a noted local Fashion Designer who is also a member of the Board of Governors, National Institute of Fashion Technology, lamented the poor response of the public towards the effort of the artisans at the exhibition. “How can our artisans compete or excel with top artisans or talents if they are not encouraged? They need a helping hand and the response at the event is certainly not encouraging” She, while emphasizing on the need to highlight the grievances of the local creators, said that the callous attitude would not benefit either the artisans or the people. “Our younger generation does not appreciate the feasibility of cultural professions due to their mindset that it is not profitable or feasible and this mindset is learnt from the attitude of the people (such as observed at the ongoing event)” Zhasa said. Adding that most of the artisans were illiterate or ignorant of trends the public should render help to them by educating them through promoting and encouraging their products. Zhasa informed that if any registered NGOs/societies are interested in availing central schemes, projects (under the Textiles Ministry) or needs any information on likened matters, she be contacted at the cell phone number 9436014465.
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