NIRJULI, Oct 30: The North Eastern Regional Institute of Science & Technology (NERIST), Nirjuli, in its capacity as the Regional Coordinating Institute for Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA), successfully organized a rural engagement programme at Mikir village, Balijan, focusing on value addition of bamboo shoot products and the revival of traditional silk handloom weaving.
The initiative aimed to promote sustainable rural livelihoods, economic self-reliance, and preservation of indigenous knowledge, blending institutional expertise with local participation.
The programme was led by Prof Thaneswer Patel, Regional Coordinator, UBA-NERIST, accompanied by Dr Anubhab Pal, Dr Dhiraj Kumar Yadav, and John Engti, who actively facilitated the sessions and guided community engagement.
During the event, women’s self-help groups (SHGs) participated in hands-on training on bamboo shoot processing, covering drying, preservation, packaging, and food safety techniques aimed at enhancing product quality and market value. Parallel demonstrations on traditional silk weaving showcased the intricate craftsmanship of local artisans and encouraged the revival of age-old weaving practices as viable livelihood options.
The programme underscored the importance of integrating scientific knowledge with traditional skills, empowering rural women to become active contributors to their household economies. It also highlighted the potential of bamboo-based entrepreneurship and handloom craftsmanship in strengthening Arunachal Pradesh’s rural economy.
NERIST’s ongoing Unnat Bharat Abhiyan initiatives continue to address grassroots challenges in agriculture, food processing, women’s empowerment, and rural innovation. Supported by the Ministry of Education, Govt of India, the programme reflects a strong commitment to knowledge-driven rural development and environmental sustainability.
NERIST reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening rural linkages and scaling up community-based initiatives that preserve the rich cultural heritage of the region while fostering inclusive growth.