Why is Mizoram University Encouraging Handloom Attire Weekly?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mizoram University mandates handloom attire once a week.
- The initiative promotes India's handloom heritage.
- Wearing traditional attire fosters cultural pride.
- Departments to promote handloom garments via social media.
- Government encourages ethnic attire among public servants.
Aizawl, Oct 8 (NationPress) To foster an appreciation for India's vibrant handloom heritage and to enhance the adoption of traditional textiles within the academic environment, Mizoram University has mandated that all students, faculty, and staff don handloom garments at least once a week.
This initiative follows a notification from the Ministry of Education of the Government of India.
With the Vice-Chancellor's endorsement, Assistant Registrar C. Lalfakkimi announced that all members of the university community should wear handloom attire, ideally on Wednesdays or Fridays, as part of a cultural practice aimed at deepening their connection to India's textile legacy.
The directive stipulates that university departments, schools, and administrative sections must actively promote handloom garments through the university's social media channels and other communication platforms.
Furthermore, events, photographs, and initiatives showcasing the use of handloom textiles should be shared to enhance awareness and visibility.
All Deans and Heads of Academic and Administrative Departments have been tasked with ensuring the effective execution of this initiative in their respective areas and encouraging proactive participation.
In related news, the Mizoram government has previously encouraged citizens to showcase Mizo traditional attire more frequently.
A senior official from the General Administration Department (GAD) stated that the government has been urging everyone, including public servants, to wear ethnic clothing regularly to celebrate the community's traditions, customs, and folklore.
“We have previously issued notifications requesting all individuals, especially government employees, to wear traditional Mizo attire at work at least once a week, preferably on Wednesdays. This is intended to foster a stronger bond with their Mizo culture and tradition while promoting innovation in the design and production of cultural garments,” the GAD official noted.
Though wearing Mizo attire at work is voluntary, the official emphasized that a recent notification was issued based on the advice of Chief Minister Lalduhoma. For years, the state government has encouraged both the public and government employees to embrace Mizo attire more often to enhance community pride in its rituals, traditions, customs, and folklore.