President Murmu Meets North East Artisans and Weavers at Rashtrapati Bhavan

President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu today met a group of artisans and weavers from the North Eastern States at Rashtrapati Bhavan, recognising their contribution to preserving India’s rich cultural heritage and promoting traditional craftsmanship from the region.

The artisans and weavers had played a key role in crafting the invitation kits and showcasing the artistic traditions of North East India during the ‘At Home’ Reception hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 26 January 2026 as part of Republic Day celebrations.

The interaction highlighted the importance of supporting traditional artisans, strengthening local livelihoods, and preserving indigenous cultural practices for future generations.

North East Artisans Showcased Diverse Traditional Crafts

The artisans and weavers represented several North Eastern states including:

• Assam;

• Nagaland;

• Mizoram;

• Manipur;

• Tripura;

• Meghalaya;

• Arunachal Pradesh, and

• Sikkim.

Each state contributed unique handcrafted products reflecting the region’s diverse artistic traditions and natural-resource-based craftsmanship.

Among the showcased works were:

• Banana fibre and bamboo baskets made by artisans from Nagaland;

• Traditional stoles woven by weavers from Assam;

• Black pottery crafted by artisans from Manipur, and

• Natural fibre products created by artisans from Sikkim.

The products formed part of the invitation kits and décor used during the Republic Day ‘At Home’ Reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan earlier this year.

Artisans Express Gratitude for National Recognition

During the interaction, the artisans and weavers shared their experiences of participating in the prestigious national event and expressed gratitude for receiving an opportunity to present their work on such an important platform.

Many participants highlighted how recognition at the national level helps promote local crafts, create livelihood opportunities, and encourage younger generations to continue traditional art forms.

Officials said the initiative also helped bring national attention to the cultural richness and craftsmanship of the North Eastern region.

President Highlights Cultural Richness of North East

In her address to the artisans and weavers, President Droupadi Murmu praised the North East for its extraordinary natural beauty and vibrant cultural traditions.

She emphasised the need to provide continued support to artisans and weavers so their artistic knowledge and skills can reach wider audiences and contribute to economic self-reliance.

The President said traditional artisans represent an important part of India’s living cultural heritage.

She commended the participants for preserving and protecting traditional art forms despite modern economic and social challenges.

Call to Preserve Heritage for Future Generations

President Murmu urged the artisans and weavers to pass on their knowledge, skills and traditions to younger generations in order to preserve India’s diverse cultural legacy.

She described them as shining examples of the nation’s living heritage and stressed the importance of ensuring that traditional craftsmanship continues to thrive in the future.

The President also underlined the role of traditional crafts in promoting cultural identity, sustainable livelihoods and regional development.

Traditional Crafts Linked to Self-Reliance and Rural Economy

The interaction also reflected growing national efforts to support local artisans, handloom workers and indigenous craft communities through market access, skill promotion and cultural recognition.

Experts say the North Eastern region possesses immense potential in:

• Handloom weaving;

• Bamboo and natural fibre products;

• Pottery and handicrafts;

• Eco-friendly products, and

• Traditional textile arts.

Promotion of such crafts is increasingly being linked to sustainable development, rural employment generation and women-led entrepreneurship.

Guided Tour of Rashtrapati Bhavan

Following the interaction, the artisans and weavers were given a guided tour of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The visit included:

• Rashtrapati Bhavan premises;

• Historic sections of the presidential estate, and

• Amrit Udyan.

Officials said the visit was intended to provide the participants with a memorable national experience while recognising their contribution to preserving India’s cultural heritage.

Focus on Cultural Preservation and Inclusion

The meeting reflects broader efforts by the Government of India to promote cultural inclusion and recognise the contributions of artisans and traditional communities from remote regions of the country.

Observers say such initiatives help bring visibility to local art forms while encouraging preservation of indigenous traditions in a rapidly modernising society.

The interaction also reinforced the cultural significance of the North Eastern states within India’s broader national identity and heritage framework.