Shillong (Meghalaya), Feb 17: In a significant recognition of its efforts to promote sustainable textiles, the Department of Textiles, Meghalaya, has been awarded a Special Award under the Textiles Sustainability Awards by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industries (CITI).
The award was presented at the Bharat Tex 2025 Global Textiles Expo, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Frederick Roy Kharkongor, Principal Secretary, Textiles Department, Meghalaya, received the award from Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for Textiles.
The CITI Secretary-General praised the Meghalaya Textiles Department for its remarkable efforts in reviving the state’s textile heritage. The Textiles Heritage Reviver Award by CITI-Alekh honors individuals and organizations that drive the revival of indigenous textile heritage, promote sustainability, foster innovation, and empower communities.
The Meghalaya Textiles Department has been actively promoting sustainable textiles and preserving the state’s indigenous weaving traditions. Notably, the department recognized Umden-Diwon village in Ri Bhoi district as Meghalaya’s first ERI Silk village in 2021. The department also established the Design Innovation Research Centre (DIRC) in 2022 to showcase the entire value chain of Ryndia, from farm to fibre, fabric, and fashion.
Furthermore, the department is working towards securing a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Ryndia, a fabric unique to Meghalaya. This initiative aims to promote and protect the state’s indigenous textile heritage.
The award is a testament to Meghalaya’s commitment to sustainable textile practices and the revival of indigenous weaving traditions.
