Bamboo Artisans in Tripura Achieve Self-Reliance through Bamboo Jewellery Training

NB Institute for Rural Technology (NBIRT) and ARKANEER have successfully concluded a ten-day training program focused on enhancing the skills, production, and product quality of bamboo artisans in South Charilam, Sepahijala District, Tripura. The training, held from June 20 to June 29, 2024, was part of the SUNIL project, funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.

The closing ceremony, which took place on June 29, 2024, at the Janakalyan VO Office, saw the distribution of certificates to the trained artisans by distinguished guests, including:

• Smt. Jhunu Datta, Pradhan, South Charilam Gram Panchayat, Sepahijala Tripura

• Sh. Rajesh Saha, Panchayat Secretary, South Charilam Gram Panchayat, Sepahijala Tripura

• Er. Kapil Baran Bhowmik, Vice President of NBIRT

• Er. P.L. Ghosh, Senior Technical Officer, NBIRT

• Sh. Anup Dey, Project Officer, NBIRT

In her valedictory address, Smt. Jhunu Datta highlighted the importance of such training programs for the successful implementation of government schemes aimed at rural development. She encouraged the artisans to utilize their new skills to motivate prospective buyers and thanked NBIRT for organizing the program. Er. P.L. Ghosh emphasized the employment opportunities in the bamboo jewellery sector, particularly in green jobs, while Er. Kapil Baran Bhowmik assured continued support and guidance for the artisans.

The program was well-received by the bamboo artisans, who expressed their enthusiasm for creating bamboo jewellery instead of traditional bamboo baskets. Participants like Rupali, Manju, Laxmi, Jhuma, Uma, Santana, and Jhulan appreciated the training and acknowledged it as a first-time opportunity. Rupali Sarkar even managed to sell some of her handmade bamboo ornaments during the training.

This initiative, supported by the SEED Division of the DST under the SUNIL project, was conducted with technical assistance from Visva-Bharati of Bolpur, West Bengal. The collaboration aims to foster self-reliance and skill development among bamboo artisans, contributing to the growth of the bamboo cottage industry in South Charilam.