The Department of Textiles, Meghalaya, has been recognized with a Special Award at the Textiles Sustainability Awards by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industries (CITI) during the Bharat Tex 2025 Global Textiles Expo in New Delhi. The award acknowledges Meghalaya’s efforts in reviving indigenous textile heritage, promoting sustainability, and empowering weaving communities.
The jury, as conveyed by CITI, was highly impressed by the department’s initiatives, particularly in preserving and promoting Ryndia, Meghalaya’s signature handwoven fabric. The Textile Heritage Reviver Award honors contributions to safeguarding traditional weaving techniques while promoting sustainability and ethical fashion.
Frederick Roy Kharkongor, Principal Secretary, Textiles Department Meghalaya, received the award from Union Minister of State for Textiles, Shri Pabitra Margherita, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and CITI. The event also featured a fashion showcase, “Earthloom – Threads of Heritage,” celebrating India’s sustainable weaves, including designs from Meghalaya.
Since 2019, Meghalaya has made significant strides in strengthening its textile sector, including the recognition of Umden-Diwon as the state’s first ERI Silk Village (2021), establishment of the Design Innovation Research Centre (2022), branding of Ryndia, and efforts toward securing a GI tag. The state has actively promoted its indigenous textiles at major national and international platforms, including Dubai Expo, Silk in Lyon (France), G20 Craft Bazar, and Bharat Tex 2024.
With continued efforts, Meghalaya’s handspun, naturally dyed, eco-friendly, and women-driven textile traditions are gaining national and global recognition, reinforcing the state’s commitment to sustainable and ethical textile practices.
