New Delhi: The Department of Textiles, Meghalaya, has been awarded a Special Award at the prestigious Textiles Sustainability Awards 2024-25, presented by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industries (CITI).
The award was announced during the Bharat Tex 2025 Global Textiles Expo, which took place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, focusing on textiles, sustainability, and fashion.
The Secretary-General of CITI expressed admiration for the Department of Textiles’ exceptional efforts in reviving the region’s textile heritage, stating that the jury was “highly impressed” with the department’s dedication to preserving indigenous textile traditions.
The CITI Textiles Heritage Reviver Award, established in honour of Alekh, recognises individuals and organisations for their efforts in reviving indigenous textile heritage, promoting sustainability, fostering innovation, and empowering communities.
Frederick Roy Kharkongor, Principal Secretary of the Textiles Department of Meghalaya, received the award on behalf of the state and its department from Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for Textiles, Government of India, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Textiles and other dignitaries.
The award ceremony took place on February 17, 2025, marking the conclusion of the second edition of the Bharat Tex Global Textiles Expo 2025.
The event featured several highlights, including a showcase of best practices by the awardees and the “Earth Loom – Threads of Heritage” fashion show, which celebrated India’s sustainable heritage weaves.
Designers from across the country, including those from Meghalaya, participated in the event.
Since 2019, the Department of Textiles, Meghalaya, has made significant strides in promoting its indigenous textile heritage.
Noteworthy achievements include the official recognition of Umden-Diwon village in Ri Bhoi district as Meghalaya’s first ERI Silk village in 2021.
The department also established the Design Innovation Research Centre (DIRC) in 2022, which highlights the entire Ryndia textile value chain – from farm to fibre, fabric, and fashion.
Additionally, the department is pushing for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Ryndia, showcasing indigenous weaves at national and international exhibitions, and supporting handloom cluster programs, capacity-building, and training.
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The department’s ongoing initiatives include the development of the Integrated Textile Tourism Project in Nongpoh, the establishment of an Eri Corner at Megh Tex, and support for local production houses, designers, and entrepreneurs.
These efforts aim to raise the visibility of Meghalaya’s handspun, handwoven, eco-friendly, naturally dyed, and women-driven textiles.
With the continuous support of creative partners and stakeholders, the Department of Textiles remains committed to promoting the state’s signature handloom, Ryndia, along with other indigenous silks and weaves.
This dedication to cultural preservation and sustainable textile practices showcases Meghalaya’s rich textile heritage while providing economic opportunities and empowering women artisans and weavers.
