Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) has established a training center for Leather Goods making at Langei Village, Nongpok Sanjebam, Imphal, East district.
The center was inaugurated on 18th March 2021 where Mr. A S S Diwan - Director KVIC was the ‘Chief Guest’. The event also witnessed the gracious presence of Mr. Saranghthem Somorendro Singh - President Social Service Society, Ms. Kngabm Bijaya Chanu- President North East Women Entrepreneurs Association, Dr. Sinam Yoirentomba Meitei- Project Coordinator MSME, Mr. R K Balram & Mr. Konthoujam Tiken –Department of Labour.
Manipur is an important constituent of the ‘Seven-Sister States’ of our country and craft traditions of this State are profoundly entrenched. The people of Manipur are artistic and creative in their thinking and outlook. Every house possesses a loom, and Manipuris weave with a passion and style, unrivalled by any other State. Kauna, Cane and Bamboo small products of Manipur like coasters, pen stand, mats, mugs, bags etc. have a rich appeal to the customers and are a crowd puller in various tradeshows and expos. The value addition of these craft products using leather will be very beneficial in increasing the acceptability of these products and enhance its market value.
The event was presided over by Mr. Talem Arun Kumar Singh, Founder of Langei Model village. The program started with the traditional offering of prayers and the cultural program by the residents of Langei village.
The guests and the local participants were very much enthusiastic about the training workshop and extended their good wishes for the successful implementation of the program.
Initially fifty one participants which include 45 female and six male are undergoing the training programme which will help the beneficiaries to integrate with the new evolving product concepts.
The efforts will be made through this training center to generate new product ideas using fusion of traditional crafts and leather besides making the unorganized footwear makers/artisans and migrant labours technological sound in respect of product development & product manufacturing.
