Shillong, Feb 04: Ri Bhoi, Meghalaya: As part of the Press Tour to Meghalaya organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India, the media delegation from Karnataka today visited the Umden Diwon Silk Village in Ri Bhoi district, known for its rich tradition of silk weaving and community-based craftsmanship.
The village is renowned for producing Eri Silk, locally known as Ryndai, which has recently received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognising its distinct regional identity and traditional value. Eri silk is an ahimsa (non-violent) silk, harvested without harming the silkworms, making it an environmentally sustainable and ethically produced textile.
During the visit, the media delegation engaged extensively with local artisans, particularly women weavers, and gained insights into the entire silk production process-from silkworm rearing and spinning to dyeing and handloom weaving.
The artisans demonstrated the use of natural dyes sourced from local plants and organic materials, which give Eri silk its distinctive tones while ensuring chemical-free and environmentally responsible production.
The journalists interacted with members of women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs), who shared their experiences of preserving traditional weaving techniques, improving production capacity, and creating sustainable livelihoods through collective effort.
The delegation also observed the intricate weaving patterns and the natural texture of Eri silk products such as shawls and stoles, appreciating the blend of tradition and skill that defines Umden Diwon’s craftsmanship. Discussions focused on market access, branding of GI-tagged products, and the role of media in promoting indigenous crafts at the national level.
The visit gains added significance in the context of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reference to Meghalaya’s Eri Silk in the 123rd episode of Mann Ki Baat, where he celebrated India’s diverse arts, crafts, and traditional skills.
The Prime Minister lauded the women of Meghalaya for leading Eri Silk production through Self Help Groups, describing it as a model of sustainability, cultural preservation, and livelihood generation.
Members of the Karnataka media delegation expressed appreciation for the resilience and dedication of the artisans and acknowledged the potential of Umden Diwon Silk Village to contribute to the promotion of GI-tagged indigenous products, rural entrepreneurship, and sustainable tourism in the region.
