The inauguration of the Design, Innovation and Research Centre (DIRC) at Umden-Diwon in Ri Bhoi has set the stage for new opportunities for the unique ryndia fabric and its producers.
The centre will not only be a space for innovations and creations of inspiring spaces but also designing and creation of various sections (cocoon, spinning, reeling, dyeing and designing, weaving, exhibition space), training of in-house human resource for ongoing visual mode, and allowing users to view and learn about eri weavers and their craft, among others.
The celebrations of opening of the centre and the 8th National Handloom Day were marked by showcasing the indigenous silk through new-age as well as traditional designs and display of various products at the venue.
Minister of Textiles Banteidor Lyngdoh hoped that DIRC would emerge as a repository and inventory of various handloom samples and designs available at the First Eri Silk village.
DIRC will also facilitate a space for an interactive platform between artisans, weavers, industry and design students through exclusive display areas, spcialised laboratory, resource centre and design activities.
“DIRC can emerge as a setup to showcase and establish market linkages between the village and the outside world, leveraging on the Department of Textiles’ unique Ryndia brand with the tagline ‘From Thread to Trend’, anchored on the motto ‘Rooted in Nature, Connected to Culture’,” said Commissioner and Secretary Frederick Roy Kharkongor.
