The Bamboo-Based Craft Concentration Centre has been implemented by the North East Cane and Bamboo Development Centre ( NECBDC ) and  Sustainable Livelihood Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Dimapur which aims to promote Craft-based livelihood and generate employment in the state of Nagaland. This centre has been funded by the North Eastern Council, Ministry of DONER.  As the name suggests the Sustainable Livelihood Society has been working towards employment generation and works closely with established local brands like Heirloom Naga, Cane Concept and Urra Design. 

These brands have played a pivotal role in exporting textiles and crafts made in Nagaland, which have found their way to more than 30 countries. Over the years the society has trained, skilled and partnered with thousands of artisans from Nagaland as well as our neighbouring states.

Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday inaugurated the Bamboo-Based Craft Concentration Centre, in the presence of Metsubo Jamir, Minister of State, Rural Development, SIRD,  Moatoshi Longkumar, Advisor, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Labour & Employment and Excise, K. Moses Chalai, Secretary North Eastern Council (NEC), M C Omi Niingshen, Managing Director, North East Cane and  Bamboo Development Council (NECBDC), other dignitaries and members of the society.

Rio on his social media handle wrote, ‘Bamboo Based Crafts Concentration Centre, the first of its kind in Nagaland. It’ll pave the way for #MadeInNagaland to reach different corners of the world. I congratulate Jesmina Zeliang & her son Aku Zeliang on reaching an imp. milestone in their entrepreneurship journey’.

The Centre features a gallery, design studio, retail showroom, classrooms, workshops, eatery, common facility centre, hostel and a dormitory. The Centre strives to be a vibrant space for artisans, creators, designers, students, tourists and cultural aficionados. The centre is also geared to offer a fully immersive craft experience to visitors and usher in craft tourism in the state.

The centre invites individuals and organisations to visit and utilise the space, by fostering this creative community, we aim to nurture talent, encourage innovation, and preserve traditional knowledge, informed Jesmina Zeliang, member, managing committee of Sustainable Livelihood Multipurpose Cooperative Society,  who is also the Convenor of North-East India, Export Promotion Council for Handicraft; executive member of Handicrafts and Carpet sectors skill council, and founder of brands Heirloom Naga, Cane Concept.

She further reiterated that ‘the society recognises the significance of supporting the local community, empowering artisans and continuing cultural practices’. ‘We envision a future where heritage is celebrated, valued, and integrated into a global creative economy’, echoed Jesmina.

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