A workshop on Tribal Art and Craft was organised by the Tribal Research Institute (TRI), Nagaland, Department of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with the Pochury Students’ Union on November 7 at the Village Council Hall, Meluri, as part of the observance of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas and Reform Utsav 2026.
Addressing the gathering, EAC Meluri, Kumari Pipfusa Pojar, NCS, stated that the workshop was organised as part of Reform Utsav and emphasised that learning traditional craftsmanship could also serve as a potential source of income, particularly for students. She encouraged the students to take an active interest in the workshop, make the best use of the opportunity and strive to preserve and carry forward the traditional knowledge and skills inherited from their forefathers.
She also expressed her gratitude to the artisans for their valuable time, dedication and willingness to participate in the workshop and share their skills with the younger generation.
Delivering the keynote address, President of the Pochury Students’ Union, Rongley Leyri, highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage, traditions and customary practices passed down through generations by their forefathers.
He emphasised that the history, identity and traditional knowledge of the community form an important part of its legacy, which must be cherished, learned and carried forward by the younger generation.
He stated that such a workshop provides a valuable opportunity for students to learn about their traditional arts and crafts, understand their cultural significance and develop a deeper appreciation of their roots and identity. He encouraged the students to take an active interest in learning, preserving and inheriting their cultural heritage so that the legacy of their forefathers continues to be passed on to future generations.
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The workshop featured live demonstrations of three traditional art and craft practices, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and indigenous skills of the Pochury community.
The traditional pottery-making process was demonstrated by members of the Pochury Mothers’ Association, highlighting the pottery-making skills traditionally practised by women of Sütsü and Laruri villages of pochury. The process of traditional cotton weaving was also demonstrated by the Khumiasü Village Women’s Society, showcasing their indigenous weaving techniques and craftsmanship. In addition, a demonstration of traditional bamboo craft-making was presented, highlighting the community’s skills in utilising locally available natural materials to create traditional handicrafts. Students were also given hands-on opportunities to practise these traditional skills and learn the craftsmanship from the artisans.
The programme was chaired by Tsiarhotho Thsangkhure, General Secretary, Pochury Students’ Union, while the invocation was pronounced by Chingusie Phojii, Vice President (Administration), PSU.
