Ryndia Weaves of Meghalaya gets GI Tag
Made from ethical Eri silk and deeply rooted in Khasi traditions, Ryndia a naturally dyed sustainable textile is now protected from imitation. Discover its journey to recognition and why it’s a game-changer for Meghalaya’s artisans as it gets GI Tag.
Well, it’s official – Meghalaya’s traditional handwoven fabric, Ryndia, has received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, and let’s just say, it’s about time! The announcement, made by the Geographical Indications (GI) Authority under the Government of India, has put this stunning textile firmly on the map, and rightfully so.
For the uninitiated, a GI tag is a bit like a royal warrant, only for products instead of posh groceries. It certifies authenticity, unique origin, and ensures that no cheeky copycats try to pass off some subpar knock-off as the real deal. In other words, Ryndia is now officially as exclusive as a private members’ club in Mayfair – only far more ethical and sustainable.
Ryndia: More Than Just a Pretty Fabric
Ryndia isn’t your run-of-the-mill fabric. Handwoven, handspun, naturally dyed, and ethically sourced, it’s the crème de la crème of textiles. Made from Eri silk, it’s a fabric with a conscience – no silkworms are harmed in the making of this beauty. Unlike conventional silk, which often comes with a rather grim fate for its little producers, Eri silk is harvested in a way that allows the worms to flutter off and live their best lives. Quite the win-win, wouldn’t you say?
Deeply embedded in the culture of Meghalaya’s Khasi community, Ryndia is known for its soft texture, impressive durability, and stunning natural hues, all courtesy of organic dyes derived from plants and minerals. The artisans, who’ve been perfecting this craft for generations, certainly know a thing or two about quality. It’s sustainable, it’s stylish, and now, thanks to the GI tag, it’s officially protected against mass-produced mischief-makers.
Lets look at the making of Ryndia Silk..
The Road to Recognition
Securing a GI tag isn’t exactly a walk in the park – it’s more of a marathon with a few bureaucratic hurdles thrown in for good measure. The Department of Textiles, Government of Meghalaya, led the charge, spending four long years rallying support and gathering evidence to prove Ryndia’s cultural and economic significance. With backing from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and technical assistance from Dr. Rajnikanth (no, not that Rajnikanth, but still a hero in his own right), the mission finally reached its grand finale.
Momentum for the initiative picked up pace after Umden-Diwon was officially recognised as Meghalaya’s first Eri Silk village in 2021. From there, it was all hands on deck, with a dedicated delegation led by Frederick Roy Kharkongor, IAS, Principal Secretary of the Department of Textiles, making sure everything was woven together (pun fully intended) in time for the final Consultative GI Group meeting in Kolkata on 20 November 2024. And lo and behold, success!
What’s Next?
With the GI tag now firmly in its pocket, Meghalaya’s artisans are looking at a brighter future. Not only does this recognition boost market value and global appeal, but it also safeguards their craft from imitation – because let’s be honest, no one wants to see Ryndia reduced to some factory-produced travesty. The move also ensures sustainable livelihoods for weavers and encourages the younger generation to keep the tradition alive instead of swapping it for some dreary desk job.
In short, the GI tag is more than just a certificate; it’s a ticket to a thriving future for Meghalaya’s handloom industry. So here’s to Ryndia – weaving tradition, culture, and sustainability into every thread, and now, finally, getting the recognition it deserves. Cheers to that!
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