"HASTAVEM" Project Launched in Changlang District to Empower Women Through Handloom Weaving and Embroidery

Nontham, February 7, 2025: Today, the "HASTAVEM" project was launched in Nontham Village, Khagam Block, Changlang District. This initiative aims to empower 25 rural women from various Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by providing training in handloom weaving and computerized machine embroidery, thereby promoting indigenous culture and improving livelihoods.

The inauguration ceremony saw Kamal Roy, District Development Manager at NABARD, as the Chief Guest, and Rev. Sony Sacnhong Jugli, Executive Secretary TBCA, as the Guest of Honor. Also present were dignitaries including Dina Aran from State Bank of India, Mumtak Tayeng from ArSRLM, Roikim Taikam Ngemu from All Tangsa Women's Welfare Society, and Theknan Lungphi from Nongtham Handloom Cluster Producers Company Limited. Chandan Prasad, Founder and CEO of Bethel Life Care Charitable Trust (BLCCT), along with project staff and weavers, participated in the event.

"HASTAVEM," meaning "work done by hand" in Sanskrit, is a collaboration between BLCCT, ArSRLM Miao, and support from Seven Sisters Development Assistance (SeSTA). The project focuses on enhancing skills in handloom weaving and computerized embroidery among selected weavers.

During the event, Chandan Prasad outlined the project's goals of promoting indigenous culture and improving livelihoods through skill development. He highlighted the revival of Nontham Weaving Center with NABARD's assistance, skill enhancement, securing Geographical Indication (GI) for Tangsa Textile and Handloom, and expressed gratitude to SeSTA for their support.

Ms. Mumtak Tayeng congratulated the SHGs selected for training and encouraged their active participation. Mrs. Dina Aran assured them of the bank's support for credit linkages. Rev. Sony Sanchong Jugli appreciated NABARD and SeSTA for empowering rural women.

Shri Kamal Roy emphasized NABARD's role in supporting off-farm producer organizations and stressed post-GI activities for Tangsa Handloom. He shared success stories of NABARD's developmental programs and encouraged women to adopt a credit culture and engage in Financial Inclusion initiatives.

The program concluded with the distribution of kits to the weavers and a vote of thanks by Ms. Theknan Lungphi. The "HASTAVEM" project aims to empower women, preserve cultural heritage, and create sustainable livelihoods in the region.