Shillong, March 01: Artisans and entrepreneurs from Meghalaya were introduced to the mobile application Tracestore, designed to connect them with markets and enhance their visibility.
This introduction took place during the workshop “Artisans and Entrepreneurs”, held on February 28, 2025, at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) as part of the project “Empowering Artisans and Farmers of Meghalaya through Blockchain Fintech Solutions.”
The event was organized by the Department of Basic Sciences and Social Sciences, NEHU, in collaboration with IIT Guwahati and IIT Bhilai under an IBITF-funded project. It was attended by 40 artisans and entrepreneurs, along with faculty members, project associates, and other stakeholders.
The workshop was graced by J.P. Lakiang, Director of Employment and Craftsmen Training, as the Chief Guest, while Prof. Md. Iftekhar Hussain, Dean of the School of Technology, NEHU, served as the Guest of Honour.
The development team, led by Dr.SainkuparMnMawiong, Prof. Md. Iftekhar Hussain, and Dr. P.L. Thangkhiew (IIT Guwahati), along with project associates YmphaidienSutong and Ethelbert Rani, spearheaded the outreach initiative. The goal was to introduce the app to key stakeholders and ensure accessibility for its target users.
Dr.SainkuparMnMawiong, Principal Investigator of the project, highlighted the challenges faced by artisans and entrepreneurs, particularly in tackling counterfeit products. He emphasized that Tracestore provides a secure and structured e-platform to address this issue and empower local artisans.
Prof. Md. Iftekhar Hussain, Co-Principal Investigator, stressed the relevance and timeliness of the app, given the increasing integration of digital solutions in daily life. He noted that with widespread mobile phone usage, ensuring accessibility to such digital platforms is crucial.
Dr. P.L. Thangkhiew, IIT Guwahati, spoke on the importance of blockchain technology in ensuring transparency and security in digital transactions. He explained how blockchain can help artisans protect their products from counterfeiting, establish authenticity, and enable trust in online markets. He emphasized that by leveraging blockchain, Tracestore can provide a tamper-proof and decentralized solution for artisans and entrepreneurs.
Chief Guest J.P. Lakiang, MCS, commended the development team for their society-driven research initiative. He applauded the efforts of faculty members, researchers, and developers who contributed to the project’s success. Additionally, he highlighted various government schemes available for artisans under his department.
The Tracestore app is expected to significantly impact the artisan community by promoting fair market access and digital inclusion. The workshop concluded with an interactive session, where artisans and entrepreneurs shared their experiences and concerns.
Their feedback will help refine the app further, ensuring better usability and impact. NEHU looks forward to continued engagement with the local community to support the successful implementation of Tracestore in the region.
