Description

Why In News?

The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), unveiled "Padma Doree".

What is Padma Doree?

Padma Doree is a unique textile brand and initiative that bridges two distinct and rich handloom traditions of India:

Eri Silk: Known as "Ahimsa Silk" or peace silk, it is an indigenous fiber of the Northeast, celebrated for its thermal properties (cool in summer, warm in winter) and ethical, non-violent production (silkworms are not killed).
Chanderi Weaving (Madhya Pradesh): A traditional weaving technique renowned for its sheer texture, lightweight feel, and glossy transparency, often embellished with zari work.

Core Philosophy: The initiative embodies the spirit of "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" by physically weaving together the threads of the Northeast with the techniques of Central India.

Fabric and Textile Features

Cultural Integration: To create a "Double-GI" heritage brand by merging two iconic Geographical Indication (GI) products.

Material Fusion: The project blends the natural strength, warmth, and durability of Eri silk with the sheer texture, delicate motifs, and finesse of Chanderi weaving.

Ethical Production: It strictly utilizes non-violent "Ahimsa" silk, ensuring that no silkworms are harmed during the fiber extraction process.

Sustainable Processing: The fabric is crafted using natural, time-honored dyes. It also integrates an isothermal process to give the fabric enhanced durability, comfort, and adaptability.

Market Expansion: To provide a unified platform for artisans to access national and international markets, reducing dependency on local, seasonal sales.

Socio-Economic Impact

Artisan Empowerment: A primary goal of the project is to economically uplift local weavers. Officials target a 20-25% increase in artisan income within 12 to 24 months.

Job Creation: It is expected to create new employment opportunities across the eight states represented by the NEHHDC.

Skill Exchange: The initiative encourages direct collaboration between master weavers and self-help groups from both regions, ensuring technical excellence and the cross-pollination of indigenous knowledge.

Source: PIB

Attempt Daily Quiz

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements regarding 'Padma Doree', recently seen in the news:

It is a collaborative textile brand featuring a fusion of Eri Silk from Northeast India and Chanderi weaving from Madhya Pradesh.
The initiative is launched by the Ministry of Textiles in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture.
It aims to promote "Ahimsa Silk," where the silk is harvested without killing the silkworms.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Padma Doree is indeed a fusion brand that blends the unique characteristics of Eri Silk (the indigenous silk of the Northeast) with the intricate and lightweight Chanderi weaving technique of Madhya Pradesh.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The initiative was launched by the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), which is a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER). It was not launched by the Ministry of Textiles or the Ministry of Culture, although it promotes cultural heritage.

Statement 3 is correct: Eri Silk is widely known as "Ahimsa Silk" or "Peace Silk" because the process allows the silkworm to complete its metamorphosis and leave the cocoon as a moth before the silk is harvested, ensuring no living being is harmed in its production.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Padma Doree is a cross-regional textile initiative launched by NEHHDC that merges Eri (Ahimsa) silk from Northeast India with the Chanderi weaving traditions of Madhya Pradesh to create sustainable luxury fabrics.

Eri silk is referred to as 'Ahimsa' or non-violent silk because it is produced without boiling or killing the silkworm. The moth is allowed to hatch and leave the cocoon naturally before the silk is processed.

The project operates under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) through its functioning body, the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC).