Assam University Silchar took a significant step toward empowering the traditional handloom industry by organizing a national seminar titled “Reweaving India: Integrating Indigenous Knowledge with Technology for Entrepreneurship Development and a Sustainable Handloom Future.”
The seminar was hosted by the Department of Business Administration at Assam University, in collaboration with NIT Silchar, NEHU Shillong, and GB Pant Institute, Almora. The event unfolded at the Bipin Chandra Pal Seminar Hall and witnessed an enthusiastic gathering of academicians, entrepreneurs, artisans, researchers, and students.
Traditional Weaving Meets Technology
The day-long seminar focused on the intersection of tradition and innovation, stressing how technology can enhance the reach and profitability of handloom businesses without losing cultural authenticity.
Dr. Niranjan Roy, Dean of the School of Economics and Commerce, Assam University, highlighted how entrepreneurship in the handloom sector must move beyond charity.
“We need business models that honour tradition while ensuring artisans can thrive financially,” he said during his keynote address.
Technology specialists discussed the role of digital platforms, e-commerce, and blockchain in ensuring fair trade and transparent supply chains for handloom products.
Voices from the Ground
One of the key features of the seminar was a panel discussion involving handloom weavers from Barak Valley and Upper Assam. The artisans shared their lived experiences and explained how modern tools like design software, natural dyes, and solar-powered looms have helped improve their work quality and earnings.
Sufiya Begum, a weaver from Sualkuchi, shared,
“Earlier, we had no idea where our products went. Now, with WhatsApp and Facebook, we get direct orders. But we need training.”
The seminar emphasized capacity-building programs to upskill artisans in tech tools while preserving indigenous weaving techniques and motifs.
Collaborative Efforts for a Sustainable Future
The event drew experts from the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) Guwahati, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), and local self-help groups (SHGs). These institutions proposed collaborative initiatives such as:
- Entrepreneurship development cells in weaving clusters
- Micro-loans for women-led weaving units
- Mobile design labs for rural areas
The need to institutionalize indigenous knowledge systems was another key takeaway. “There is scientific reasoning behind traditional practices, from dye preparation to yarn conditioning,” noted Dr. Shreya Sen, textile expert from NEHU.
Student Participation and Research Paper Presentations
More than 50 research papers were presented on topics ranging from eco-friendly weaving methods, brand building in rural enterprises, to AI-based supply chain monitoring.
Students from Assam University, NIT Silchar, and Cotton University engaged in lively discussions with field experts. The event created a bridge between academic insights and practical industry needs, promoting experiential learning.
A Way Forward for Handloom Entrepreneurs
The seminar concluded with a resolution to establish an innovation hub for sustainable handloom entrepreneurship at Assam University. The hub would:
- Facilitate knowledge exchange between weavers and technologists
- Promote eco-certification and sustainable branding
- Conduct regular workshops on digital marketing and business strategy
Why This Matters
Assam’s handloom sector is second only to Kerala in terms of workforce participation. Although, with more than 90% of weavers being women. Yet, most continue to live under financial stress due to a lack of direct market access and modern tools.
Seminars like this don’t just talk — they lay the groundwork for action. When indigenous knowledge is empowered with the right technology, the results can be economically empowering and ecologically sustainable.
