The North East Integration Rally (NEIR) 2026, set to traverse all eight Northeastern states over a month-long journey, is undertaking a unique mission: to draw attention to the region’s fading crafts and the artisans who have struggled to preserve them.
Organised by the Knowledge Resource Centre (KRC) Foundation, the rally would commence in Kolkata on January 4, 2026, and conclude in Guwahati on February 4, covering Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. Beyond promoting peace, integration, and regional development, the event is designed to document and celebrate the living cultural heritage of Northeast India.
In an effort to strengthen this focus, Biswadeep Gupta, Managing Trustee of KRC Foundation, has invited Prof (Dr) Sukamal Deb to collaborate with the rally. Dr Deb, renowned for his work in building community-based institutions and fostering sustainable livelihoods, will lead the identification and documentation of languishing crafts and the artisans who continue to preserve them despite social and economic challenges.
The rally plans to honour five traditional artisans or craftsmen from each state, recognising their exceptional contribution to sustaining endangered crafts. The stories, techniques, and experiences of these artisans would be compiled into a high-quality publication, designed as a reference for researchers, policymakers, cultural institutions, and anyone interested in the region’s intangible heritage.
“The Northeast is home to around 40 crafts that are at risk of disappearing. Our artisans have kept these traditions alive for generations, often without recognition. This initiative is about acknowledging their resilience and giving them the respect they deserve,” said Gupta.
The NEIR 2026, themed Peace, Progress & Prosperity, would go beyond crafts to engage communities through exhibitions, youth rallies, and campaigns on tourism, climate action, disaster management, and adventure sports. It aims to foster connectivity, cultural exchange, and a sense of regional identity while showcasing the economic and social potential of the Northeast.
Dr Deb’s engagement is expected to bring depth to the rally’s efforts. Having worked closely with communities across nearly 3,000 villages in the Northeast, he brings an on-ground understanding of local cultures, crafts, and livelihoods. His approach emphasises practical, inclusive development, rooted in the idea that lasting peace depends on meaningful work, income, and dignity—an idea especially resonant in a world where over 650 million people live in extreme poverty, including roughly 7% of India’s population.
With Dr Deb’s guidance, NEIR 2026 aims to create not just awareness but tangible impact, connecting traditional knowledge with contemporary platforms, inspiring youth, and empowering artisans economically and socially.
With Prof (Dr) Sukamal Deb’s expertise, the project ‘Recognising the unrecognised’ craftsman would be a reality in the Northeastern Region of India. Under his leadership, Anant Centre for Documentation, Development of Crafts, Anant National University, Ahmedabad was established, and he contributes to many universities, organisations and projects in Inclusive Rural Development to attain sustainable development goals.
