Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 647/15

CHIEF MINISTER LAUNCHES SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ON ZARDOZI EMBROIDERY

Shillong, 11th Sep 15: Dr Mukul M Sangma, Chief Minister, Meghalaya, launched the Training Programme on Entrepreneurship Promotion for Women and Youth- Skill Training on Zardozi Craft and Training Facilitation to Skill Rural Entrepreneurs to Manufacture Meghalaya Specific Souvenirs/Mementos, here today at Laban Sports Club Ground.

Speaking to the gathering of registered entrepreneurs and other guests at the launch, the Chief Minister said that the programme was a humble beginning to create the much needed skilled workforce. He said that the government has embarked upon creating opportunities and this particular sector has been identified as a potential area which can open up lot of spaces for entrepreneurship as there is no limit for creativity of creative minds.

Referring to the initiative of the government to create the state as a destination, the Chief Minister said that with the number of tourists wanting to visit Meghalaya it becomes incumbent upon the state to create the network where people will have access to souvenirs which will be comparable to global standards. He also said that the training in Meghalaya Specific Souvenirs/Mementos would also open up spaces for producing decorative items for Christmas and other festivals. By creating a skilled workforce the potential entrepreneurs can link with various skilled workforce globally producing designer specific items to ensure exclusivity and enable the entrepreneurs to work from home he added.

It may be mentioned here that Zardozi is embroidery of Iran, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. Zardozi means sewing with gold thread. The craft attained its summit in the 17th Century under the patronage of the Mughal Emperor Akbar.Zardozi embroidery is beautiful metal embroidery, which once used to embellish the attire of the Kings and the royals in India. It was also used to adorn walls of the royal tents, scabbards, wall hangings and the paraphernalia of regal elephants and horses. Zardozi embroidery work involves making elaborate designs, using gold and silver threads. Further adding to the magnificence of the work are the studded pearls and precious stones. Initially, the embroidery was done with pure silver wires and real gold leaves. However, today, craftsmen make use of a combination of copper wire, with a golden or silver polish, and a silk thread.

Earlier in his address, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Industries, P W Ingty, informed that the training focused on entrepreneurship for women and youth opening opportunities of self employment. He also informed that 1200 trainees have registered for Zardozi training that will be given for six months in batches in various places across the state. The training on Meghalaya Specific Souvenirs/Mementos will be for duration of two to three months and 480 registered trainees will be trained at Shillong and Tura. Among others present at the launch were, Commissioner & Secretary, Social Welfare, T Dkhar, Director, Commerce & Industries, M B Roy, Director, NIFT, Director, BADO and officials from various line departments.