The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Shillong yesterday inaugurated a three-day Artisan Awareness Workshop (17–19 November 2025), an initiative under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The programme brings together 12 artisans from the Peren, Wokha and Kigwema craft clusters of Nagaland, previously researched by NIFT students during their Cluster Immersion Programme in March 2025.
The inauguration was graced by the presence and support of Director Dr. Shankar Kr. Jha, the CIC Mr. KsankuparKhongstit, and Project Mentor Mr. SiewspahBuhroy, whose leadership has guided the initiative from field research to implementation. The workshop is organised by the Fashion Management Studies Department of NIFT Shillong.
The workshop aims to bridge critical gaps identified during students’ field documentation of traditional production processes, design practices and market linkages. Over the three days, artisans will receive skill-building sessions on branding, PR & marketing, supply chain management, financial literacy, product development, government schemes and e-commerce opportunities. These sessions are designed to strengthen entrepreneurial readiness and support long-term market sustainability for craft-based enterprises.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Director, Shri. Jha emphasised NIFT Shillong’s continuing commitment to empowering artisans and fostering sustainable craft ecosystems. By enabling direct knowledge exchange between students, faculty and artisan communities, the institute seeks to build stronger market linkages and enhance livelihood opportunities for traditional craft practitioners.
The Artisan Awareness Workshop marks another significant step in NIFT Shillong’s mission to integrate traditional knowledge with contemporary design and market practices, ensuring that indigenous crafts continue to thrive in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
