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Fashion Value Chain
5 days ago
- General
- Fashion Value Chain
The Back-strap Renaissance: Reclaiming Northeast India's Loom Legacy
Ms. Mamatha G P K Associate Professor, Pearl Academy The textile and fashion industries are continually and overwhelmingly growing, at the same time the rate at which fast fashion consumption has increased is alarming. While trying to strike a balance amidst these fashion cycles, another challenge is restoring and reviving numerous traditional textiles, their techniques of production, and the embroideries of India. Our country has a vast and strong cultural heritage, where many of our products are GI-tagged to preserve their authenticity. The efforts to hold to traditional textiles bring out a lot of opportunities, like improving the standard of living for artisans and technicians involved in creating these fabrics, the economic development by widening the market, commodities catered to an international market and carving a niche in the global fashion sector. The handloom legacy of India's enriched part- the northeast has a vibrantly alive craft, as well as its cultural identity. Each tribal community has a list of their distinct techniques and motifs, which are passed on to generations, mainly women, only by word of mouth for more than 800 years. For example, Northeast has a total of over 200 documented tribes, and Tripura alone has 19 recognised tribes (The Sentinel). The backstrap or loin loom illustrated in Figure 1, a portable device anchored by the weaver's body, is central to many tribal practices in this region. It enables intricate patterns despite producing only 1–2 meters daily, far below typical handloom capacity (The Sentinel). The beauty of this art was limited to the women of the house, an evident matriarchal practice in the region. The interesting fact here was that women always weaved for themselves, and it was one of the essential skills to be eligible for marital alliances. However, this practice was not just limited to the commoners; even royal families chose their brides based on the most skilled weaver in the region. Fig 1: Backstrap/ loin loom Innovation & Sustainability in Handloom Practices Handloom Meets Tech DigiBunai CAD system empowers weavers to convert designs digitally onto looms ( NSN ). Microsoft's AI 'Ruuh' introduces trend-aware weaves to artisans, supporting contemporary market needs ( NSN ). Sustainable Silks & Natural Dyes Meghalaya's Eri ('Peace Silk') production is fully women-led and dyed using 33 native plants. Two GI tags awarded in 2025 are boosting its profile ( Wikipedia ). Lampas weaving, rooted in Assamese religious traditions, has been revived by NEHHDC, reconnecting artisans with centuries-old heritage ( ). Social Innovation & Digitisation NEHHDC's 2023 MoU with the UK's Tide platform is introducing AI/IoT and ERP for 800+ clusters, improving financial inclusion and scalability ( ). Digital platforms like Amazon Karigar and ONDC empower Gen Z-led brands (Eka, Anavila) to market globally ( Images Bof ). Social Impact & Employment Data The Fourth All-India Handloom Census (2019–20) shows 88.7% of weaving households located in rural areas; only 26% had all-weather roads ( Images Bof ). Across India, handloom employs ~26 lakh weavers (down from 43 lakh in 1995). In the Northeast, ~65% of operational looms are found there ( Ias Gyan ). Women constitute ~77% of workers overall; in the Northeast, they account for ~49%. Fig 2: Weaving by Women Table 1: Weaving in the Northeastern states Conservation of Backstrap Loom Weaving Technique longevity: Archaeological and ethnographic evidence in Nagaland, Manipur (dated from the Bronze Age to the contemporary) validates centuries-old usage ( MAP Academy ). Educational workshops: Initiatives like Exotic Echo's youth classes foster intergenerational transfer ( mint ). Designer collaborations: Contemporary fashion integrated with loin loom fabrics (e.g., Jenjum Gadi, Dimapur) have enhanced market relevance ( Vogue India ). Tilla- a design studio in Ahmedabad, put enormous effort into throwing light on the lost art of Risha and Rignai. Risha- commonly called the breast cloth, which was lost to modern silhouettes. Challenges & Realistic Suggestions Challenges Low productivity: Backstrap looms yield only ~2 m/day vs 7 m on regular handlooms ( Vogue India ). Infrastructure deficits: Vast rural clusters remain poorly connected (only 26% roads) ( Images Bof ). Market fragility: Consumers lack awareness of value; power looms dominate due to price sensitivity. Resource scarcity: Financial and raw material access remains inadequate ( Ias Gyan ). Solutions Cluster development: Build 1–2 integrated loom hubs with proper transport, power, AI-enabled design units like DigiBunai. Financial inclusion: Scale Tide-like initiatives; offer microcredit and direct subsidies for GI fabrics (Eri, Lampas). Skill & heritage education: Expand youth workshops tied to school curricula; support designer-artisan mentorships. Digital marketing: Boost SHGs' online presence via ONDC and Amazon Karigar; storytelling focuses on differentiating handmade goods ( NSN , , Images Bof ). Eco-certification & global branding: Promote GI, natural-dyeing, 'peace silk' narratives for premium export positioning. Conclusion Handloom in Northeast India weaves heritage with innovation—through backstrap looms, sustainability, and digital empowerment. While small-scale, labour-intensive, and rural, it carries immense cultural value and potential for ethical, eco-friendly markets. Focused infrastructure, institutional support, and global marketing can scale this centuries-old front row to mainstream, aligning tradition with tomorrow's demand.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Aug. 11-15: Holland to discuss Tulyp Hotel expansion, Ottawa County to meet
In 2025, The Sentinel is providing a weekly round-up of the biggest topics in upcoming municipal meetings, giving our readers a chance to engage with their local officials on the projects, appointments and decisions that hit closest to home. These round-ups are written on Fridays and updated online Mondays. Municipalities are not required by the Michigan Open Meetings Act to provide an agenda in advance of a meeting, but they are required to provide notice. Please visit your local municipality website for the most updated information. Here are the biggest topics for meetings Monday-Friday, Aug. 11- 15: Ottawa County Planning and Policy Committee: 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the Ottawa County Fillmore Street Complex An agenda was not immediately available How to participate remotely: Meetings are live streamed via YouTube at @miOttawa Finance and Administration Committee: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the Ottawa County Fillmore Street Complex An agenda was not immediately available How to participate remotely: Meetings are live streamed via YouTube at @miOttawa Appointment and Alignment Committee: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the Ottawa County Fillmore Street Complex An agenda was not immediately available How to participate remotely: Meetings are live streamed via YouTube at @miOttawa Plat Board: 12 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the Ottawa County Fillmore Street Complex An agenda was not immediately available Allegan County Board of Commissioners: 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at the Allegan County Offices An agenda was not immediately available How to participate remotely: Meetings are live streamed via Youtube at @AlleganCounty or via Zoom at with password Board City of Holland Planning Commission: 5 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 12, at Holland City Hall The agenda includes: Consideration of the site plan and waivers with conditions for Tulyp Hotel's addition of 31 rooms Read the agenda: City Council Study Session: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at Holland City Hall An agenda was not immediately available City of Saugatuck City Council: 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11, at Saugatuck City Hall An agenda was not immediately available How to participate remotely: Meetings are live streamed via Zoom at with meeting ID 269 857 2603. City of the Village of Douglas Planning Commission: 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at Douglas Village Hall An agenda was not immediately available City of Fennville Planning Commission: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at Fennville City Hall An agenda was not immediately available Port Sheldon Township Board of Trustees: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, at the Port Sheldon Township Offices The agenda includes: Consideration of a special meeting date for the Long Term Asset Management Workshop Consideration of a motion to approve the rezoning of 14462 Gardner from C-1 to R-1 Hearing a presentation from McKenna regarding the Amended Master Plan Consideration of a motion to approve the Amended Master Plan Discussion regarding a Fire Cadet Program Read the agenda: Holland Charter Township Planning Commission: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the Holland Township Offices The agenda includes: Consideration of a motion to amend the Zoning Ordinance Map at Butternut Drive to rezone RS&TJ LLC from C-2 Community Commercial to R-2A Medium Density Residential Consideration of a motion to approve a special land use permit for 65 Douglas Ave. by Eagle Rentals Inc. for Outdoor Display and Sales Consideration of a motion to approve a special land use permit for 11483 Lakewood Blvd. for approval of vehicle, recreational equipment, manufactured home and heavy equipment sales and rentals and vehicle repair Consideration of a motion to approve a special land use permit for 188 N. Jefferson Ave. and part of 320 W. McKinley Ave. for a contractor's facility Consideration of a motion to approve a special land use permit and site plan for 20 additional independent and assisted living units at 12300 Quincy St. or Quincy Place Senior Living Consideration of a motion to approve a site plan at 650 Riley St. from Community Action House for improvements to existing building, including a canopy, additional parking spaces, an extension of a pavement loading dock and the addition of a dumpster Read the agenda: Park Township Board of Trustees: 6:30 p.m. Thursday Aug. 14, at the Park Township Offices The agenda includes: Consideration of a motion to enter closed session regarding pending litigation in Park Township v Ward Consideration of a motion regarding a bike path and retaining walls proposal for 2025 Consideration of a motion regarding the status of Township Manager Howard Fink, who remains on personal leave until the end of August, according to the municipality's website A discussion regarding a parking lot at Park Township Community Park A discussion regarding the parks and recreation director Read the agenda: How to participate remotely: Meetings are live streamed via Zoom at Zeeland Township Planning Commission: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the Zeeland Township Offices An agenda was not immediately available Laketown Township Township Board: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, at the Laketown Township Offices The agenda includes: A discussion regarding the ongoing manager search A discussion regarding Wolters House A discussion regarding short-term rentals Read the agenda: How to participate remotely: Meetings are live streamed via Zoom at Fillmore Township Township Board: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the Fillmore Township Offices An agenda was not immediately available Ganges Township Township Board: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the Ganges Township Offices The agenda includes: A discussion regarding "township enforcement matters" A discussion regarding a pay increase for the recording secretary Read the agenda: Overisel Township Township Board: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the Overisel Township Offices An agenda was not immediately available Saugatuck Township Township Board: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the Saugatuck Township Offices An agenda was not immediately available How to participate remotely: Meetings are live streamed via Zoom at — Cassidey Kavathas is the politics and court reporter at The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at ckavathas@ Follow her on X and Bluesky @cassideykava. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Aug. 11-15: Big meetings at Ottawa County, Holland, Park Twp. Solve the daily Crossword
The Hindu
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Journalism stalwart Dasu Krishnamoorty turns 100 on July 1
Dasu Krishnamoorty, a journalism veteran with a career spanning 70 years, will turn 100 on Tuesday. Hailing from a family of journalists, Krishnamoorty was part of the first journalism batch at Osmania University under Prof. De Forest O'Dell in 1954–55, where he graduated at the top of his class. During his internship at The Times of India, he earned praise from legendary editor Frank Moraes. He began his career at The Sentinel, The Deccan Chronicle and The Daily News, before joining The Indian Express as chief sub-editor. There, he played a key role in launching its Vijayawada edition in 1959. After a brief stint with The Times of India in Ahmedabad, he moved to New Delhi in 1969 and worked with Patriot for nearly two decades. In Delhi's journalistic circles, he was celebrated as a 'Deskman Extraordinaire' for his exceptional page layout skills. After retiring from active journalism, Krishnamoorty continued to share his knowledge as an associate professor at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi. He later taught at the University of Hyderabad, Osmania University, Andhra Pradesh Open University and Bhavan's College of Journalism, while continuing to write on media affairs. In 2001, at the age of 75, he moved to the United States and shifted focus to writing. Along with his daughter, Tamraparni Dasu, he founded 'India Writes', an initiative aimed at promoting Telugu short story writers globally by translating their works into English. Krishnamoorty has published three anthologies: Santoshabad Passenger 1947 and Other Stories (2010), The Seaside Bride and Other Stories (2019) and Ten Greatest Telugu Stories Ever Told (2022). He is currently working on his autobiography. Remarkably active for his age, he remains in good health, spends several hours a day at his computer and retains a phenomenal memory. Just a few months ago, he mesmerised the current batch of Osmania University journalism students through a video conference. A 1954–55 alumnus addressing the 2024–25 cohort was a moment steeped in history and inspiration. The students honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Hindu
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Journalism stalwart Dasu Krishnamoorty turns 100 today
Dasu Krishnamoorty, a journalism veteran with a career spanning 70 years, will turn 100 on Tuesday. Hailing from a family of journalists, Krishnamoorty was part of the first journalism batch at Osmania University under Prof. De Forest O'Dell in 1954–55, where he graduated at the top of his class. During his internship at The Times of India, he earned praise from legendary editor Frank Moraes. He began his career at The Sentinel, The Deccan Chronicle and The Daily News, before joining The Indian Express as chief sub-editor. There, he played a key role in launching its Vijayawada edition in 1959. After a brief stint with The Times of India in Ahmedabad, he moved to New Delhi in 1969 and worked with Patriot for nearly two decades. In Delhi's journalistic circles, he was celebrated as a 'Deskman Extraordinaire' for his exceptional page layout skills. After retiring from active journalism, Krishnamoorty continued to share his knowledge as an associate professor at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi. He later taught at the University of Hyderabad, Osmania University, Andhra Pradesh Open University and Bhavan's College of Journalism, while continuing to write on media affairs. In 2001, at the age of 75, he moved to the United States and shifted focus to writing. Along with his daughter, Tamraparni Dasu, he founded 'India Writes', an initiative aimed at promoting Telugu short story writers globally by translating their works into English. Krishnamoorty has published three anthologies: Santoshabad Passenger 1947 and Other Stories (2010), The Seaside Bride and Other Stories (2019) and Ten Greatest Telugu Stories Ever Told (2022). He is currently working on his autobiography. Remarkably active for his age, he remains in good health, spends several hours a day at his computer and retains a phenomenal memory. Just a few months ago, he mesmerised the current batch of Osmania University journalism students through a video conference. A 1954–55 alumnus addressing the 2024–25 cohort was a moment steeped in history and inspiration. The students honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Michael Sheen, Eva Longoria joins family holiday comedy 'The 12 Days of Christmas'
'Passengers' actor and 'The Sentinel' actress have joined the cast of the upcoming family holiday comedy 'The 12 Days of ', reported Variety. According to the outlet, the film written by Ted Safran will be directed by BAFTA nominee Ben Gregor . Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The movie is based on the bestselling novel 'The 12 Topsy-Turvy Very Messy Days of Christmas,' co-written by bestselling author James Patterson and Safran, reported Variety. According to the outlet, 'The 12 Days of Christmas', will follow the story of the dysfunctional Sullivan family who cancelled the Christmas for the fifth year in a row until someone mysterious starts sending them strange gifts. The hopeless widower Henry (Sheen) and two children, Will and Ella received the gifts, as per Variety. First, a partridge in a pear tree, the next day two turtle doves are sent, followed by three calling birds on day three. Before they know it, the house is full of boisterous animals and house guests, all relating to the famous Christmas song "The Twelve Days of Christmas," reported Variety. The family's lives are turned upside down as they try to figure out just who the mystery gift giver is. Longoria will play the role of Mariana from Animal Protection Services. The synopsis of the film as quoted by Variety states,"Even though this Christmas will be messy, it might turn out to be just the gift the family needs." "We couldn't be more excited about Michael Sheen and Eva Longoria leading the cast. The same goes for the Ben Gregor," said co-writer Patterson as quoted by Variety. The 'Desperate Housewives' star Eva Longoria also received the Platino Honor at the 12th Platino Awards ceremony at the Municipal Palace in Madrid on April 27, reported The Hollywood Reporter.
