Pasighat, Aug 1: Founder and Director of House of Macnok Pvt Ltd, Ninna Lego, has been conferred the title of Professor of Practice by Manipur International University for her contributions to social entrepreneurship and the promotion of indigenous crafts.
The honour recognises her sustained efforts in preserving the cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural artisans, particularly women.
Through House of Macnok, Lego has worked to revive traditional handloom, handicrafts, beadwork and textile traditions, helping artisans from remote villages in Arunachal Pradesh access national and international markets.
Over the past decade, the organisation has focused on preserving traditional crafts, strengthening artisan communities and generating market opportunities for handmade products rooted in the cultural identity of Northeast India. It has also trained over 1,000 aspiring artisans and entrepreneurs, collaborated with self-help groups and built a network of rural craftspeople earning sustainable livelihoods through their traditional skills.
Expressing gratitude on receiving the honour, Lego said the recognition belonged to every artisan who had entrusted the organisation with their skills, stories and aspirations.
"Our indigenous knowledge is not merely our heritage but our greatest strength. Every handmade product carries generations of wisdom, and our responsibility is to ensure these traditions continue to thrive while creating dignified livelihoods for our communities," she said, dedicating the recognition to rural artisans preserving the region's cultural legacy.
The title of Professor of Practice is conferred on distinguished professionals with exceptional expertise and significant contributions in their respective fields, recognising accomplished practitioners whose practical experience enriches academic learning by bridging industry, entrepreneurship and education.
Lego has represented Arunachal Pradesh at several national and international forums, promoting sustainable entrepreneurship, women-led enterprises and indigenous craftsmanship. Her work has consistently focused on integrating traditional knowledge with innovation while expanding economic opportunities for local artisans.
As Professor of Practice, she will contribute to experiential learning by sharing practical insights on social entrepreneurship, rural innovation, artisan-led enterprises, sustainable business models and the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems.
The recognition is seen as a significant acknowledgement of community-driven entrepreneurship and the contribution of indigenous artisans to India's cultural and economic landscape.
House of Macnok Pvt Ltd is a Pasighat-based social enterprise dedicated to preserving indigenous crafts, empowering rural artisans and promoting women-led livelihoods while showcasing Arunachal Pradesh's cultural heritage on national and global platforms.