Tag Archives: Records of Assam

NATIONAL: GI TAGS: Bodo Tribe’s Eight Products, Including ‘Aronai’, Secure GI Tags In Assam

In a major step towards preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Assam, eight products of the Bodo tribe, including the iconic ‘Aronai’, have secured Geographical Indication (GI) tags. This development not only acknowledges the unique craftsmanship of the Bodo community but also provides a boost to the local economy by safeguarding these products’ authenticity on a global platform.

The Bodo tribe, one of the largest indigenous groups in Northeast India, has a rich tradition of weaving and handicrafts. The GI tag will protect the intellectual property rights of these products, preventing unauthorized use and imitation, while also promoting the Bodo culture and heritage globally.

What is a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag?

A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a certification provided to products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. This certification ensures that only products produced in a specific region can be marketed using that name, thereby protecting the authenticity and traditional knowledge associated with the product.

For the Bodo tribe, receiving GI tags for these eight products is a recognition of their centuries-old craftsmanship, which has been passed down through generations. This certification not only adds economic value but also helps preserve the traditional techniques and cultural practices unique to the Bodo community.

The Eight Bodo Products That Secured GI Tags

The eight products from the Bodo community that have been awarded GI tags include:

  1. Aronai: The most iconic product of the Bodo tribe, Aronai is a traditional scarf or shawl that is an integral part of Bodo culture. It is worn during important ceremonies, festivals, and even as a daily accessory. Made from high-quality silk or cotton, the intricate weaving patterns and vibrant colors of Aronai symbolize the identity and pride of the Bodo people.
  2. Dokhona: A traditional attire worn by Bodo women, Dokhona is a long wrap-around dress made from woven silk or cotton. It is often adorned with colorful patterns and is considered an essential part of Bodo cultural festivals and ceremonies.
  3. Gamsa: A handwoven fabric used as a towel or wrap, Gamsa is a versatile product that reflects the Bodo tribe’s skilled weaving techniques. Known for its durability and fine craftsmanship, it is often used in everyday life and during cultural rituals.
  4. Bodo Mekhela: Mekhela, another traditional attire for women, consists of two pieces of cloth draped around the body. The Bodo version of Mekhela is known for its unique designs, rich fabric, and vibrant colors, making it a staple in Bodo women’s wardrobes during cultural celebrations.
  5. Jwmgra (Traditional Shawl): This traditional shawl is another product of Bodo weaving craftsmanship, often made from cotton or silk and used during formal and cultural events.
  6. Silk Shawls: Bodo silk shawls are renowned for their softness and intricate patterns. These shawls are often made from Assam silk, a high-quality material, and are worn on special occasions.
  7. Endi Shawls: Endi, or eri silk, is produced in Assam and is known for its eco-friendly production process. Bodo artisans weave this silk into beautiful shawls that are highly sought after for their warmth and comfort.
  8. Bodo Handloom Textiles: This includes a variety of fabrics woven by the Bodo community, showcasing their rich tradition of handloom weaving. These textiles are used to create traditional attire, accessories, and home décor items.

Cultural and Economic Impact of GI Tags

The GI tagging of these eight products is a momentous achievement for the Bodo community and the state of Assam. It not only provides legal protection to the products but also elevates the status of traditional Bodo crafts on the global stage. With this recognition, these products can now be marketed more effectively, both in India and internationally, which will boost tourism and economic opportunities for local artisans.

The Bodo tribe has long been recognized for their skilled weaving techniques, which are deeply embedded in their cultural identity. The GI tag helps in preserving these traditional crafts, encouraging younger generations to continue the legacy of their ancestors.

Boost to Assam’s Handloom and Handicraft Industry

The handloom and handicraft industry in Assam is a significant contributor to the state’s economy, employing thousands of artisans, particularly women. With the GI tagging of these products, the Bodo tribe’s artisans can now sell their crafts at premium prices, increasing their income and improving their livelihood. This recognition also opens doors for export opportunities, enabling these products to reach a broader audience worldwide.

The GI tags will also promote sustainable tourism in the region, as visitors are likely to be drawn to the rich cultural heritage and unique crafts of the Bodo tribe. Tourists who visit Assam for its natural beauty and wildlife will now have an added reason to explore the traditional Bodo textiles and handicrafts, further boosting the local economy.

While the GI tags are a significant achievement, there are challenges in ensuring that the benefits reach the artisans at the grassroots level. Efforts must be made to establish strong supply chains, promote these products in international markets, and provide artisans with the necessary training to maintain quality standards.

The government, along with local organizations, must work together to create marketing platforms and digital avenues for promoting these products globally. E-commerce platforms and artisanal fairs can be valuable tools in reaching a broader audience and ensuring that the GI-tagged products achieve their full potential.

The GI tagging of eight traditional products from the Bodo tribe of Assam, including the beloved Aronai, is a proud moment for the community and the entire state. It is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Bodo people and their contribution to India’s vibrant handloom and handicraft traditions. As these products gain international recognition, they will not only boost the local economy but also serve as symbols of pride and identity for the Bodo community.

source/content: boroktimes.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: HEALTH & MEDICAL SCIENCES: INNOVATION: IIT-Guwahati researchers develop solutions based on Regenerative Therapies for Knee Tears

IT-G has created three hydrogel formulations that are blends of silk fibroin and other polymers, which can be used by doctors in clinics, to treat the meniscus injury.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology- (IIT) Guwahati, in collaboration with University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata, has formulated three treatment solutions for a knee injury that has proven difficult to treat.

By developing these key regenerative therapies, the researchers have provided possible alternative solutions to manage the problem of a knee meniscus tear, an injury to tissue in one’s knee joints, the IIT-G said in a release.

“We have developed regenerative treatment approaches that would be tailored for the patient and help in rapid healing meniscus tears or replacing parts of the damaged tissue,” Professor Biman B Mandal, department of biosciences and bioengineering, IIT-G, said.

Trauma to the knee meniscus, a cushioning tissue in the knee joint, is a common yet complex problem. A tear in the tissue can make it difficult to walk, run or perform daily activities.

The 3 hydrogels

The IIT-G team has created three hydrogel formulations that are blends of silk fibroin and other polymers, which can be used by doctors in clinics, to treat the meniscus injury.

These components, especially silk, are well known for their strength, bioactivity and flexibility. They are also cost-effective compared to other materials such as commercially available polyurethane and collagen meniscus implants, the release said.

Out of the three, one is an injectable hydrogel, which can be injected in a minimally invasive manner directly into the meniscus site to expedite the healing of smaller injuries.

For treating larger full thickness complex meniscus tissue injuries, the researchers have created two 3D bio-printable inks that can be 3D printed into implants.

In the two bioink formulations, one carries commercially available growth factor loaded microspheres, the second carries patient derived factors which are released in a sustained manner aiding faster meniscus healing. Both formulations can be 3D printed into a partial or full sized meniscus and used for healing large portions of the meniscus.

3D printing, or bioprinting, has recently emerged as a popular futuristic method for tissue engineering. Here, the implant is customized as per the patient’s requirements.

The research aims to provide a more personalised and effective treatment for meniscus injuries, potentially improving the quality of life for millions of people.

The developments signal a significant advancement, providing solutions custom-made for each patient and could also potentially prevent future complications such as osteoarthritis.

The three approaches have been published in three manuscripts in international journals Applied Materials Today and Advanced Biology, co-authored by Mandal and his team of research scholars — Ashutosh Bandyopadhyay, Baishali Ghibhela, and Sayanti Shome and Dr Debajyoti Pal, Dr Samsamul Hoque and Professor Samit K Nandi from the University of Animal and Fishery Sciences.

source/content: moneycontrol.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: ARTS & CULTURE / LANGUAGE: Braille Edition of Assamese Dictionary ‘Hemkosh’ enters Guinness World Records

The official letter was presented at a ceremony coinciding with the 127th death anniversary of Hemchandra Baruah, who compiled it in the 19th century.

The Braille edition of ‘Hemkosh’, the first etymological dictionary of the Assamese language, has entered the Guinness World Records, an official said on Monday. The official certificate recognising ‘Hemkosh’ as the world’s largest bilingual Braille dictionary was handed to its publisher, Jayanta Baruah by the official adjudicator for Guinness World Records, Rishi Nath here on Monday.

The official letter was presented at a ceremony coinciding with the 127th death anniversary of Hemchandra Baruah, who had compiled the ‘Hemkosh’ in the last part of the 19th century. The confirmation of the recognition was received by the publisher on April 24 through an email.

The seminal work was first published in 1919, four years after Baruah’s demise. Subsequent editions of the dictionary were published and the 15th edition is currently under production, its members said. The dictionary is considered to be the standard reference of Assamese orthography, which is the set of conventions for writing a language, including norms of spelling, hyphenation, capitalization, word boundaries, emphasis and punctuation.

The braille edition is the adaption of Hemkosh’s 14th edition of the regular dictionary and is an Assamese and English one. It has 90,640 words printed in 21 volumes and are divided into six parts, comprising a total 10,279 pages and weighing 80.800 kg, a release said. Jayanta Baruah, who is himself an heir of Hemchandra Baruah and is the owner of Hemkosh Prakashan, has donated copies of the dictionary to all educational institutions for the visually impaired students, besides to different libraries.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited0

WORLD RECORDS: ARTS & CULTURE / DANCE: Assam’s Bihu Dance sets 02 World Records with over 11,000 Dancers and Musicians taking the stage

With over 11,000 dancers and musicians, Assam’s Bihu dance breaks two world records and is inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records.

Assam’s Bihu dance has made history by setting two world records with over 11,000 dancers and musicians taking the stage at the Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati. More than 7,000 dancers, most of whom were female, and more than 3,000 drummers and musicians from all districts of the state performed the popular traditional dance style, which is practised across Assam, particularly during the spring festival of Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu.

Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of Assam, posted unforgettable moments of the MegaBihu rehearsal on Twitter. He added that two world records set in Sarusajai had earned them entry into the Guinness Book of World Records today.

The event sought to break two world records: the largest Bihu dance performance and the largest performance by traditional folk musicians employing instruments including the “dhol,” “pepa,” “gogona,” and “toka.”

Rishi Nath, the official Guinness World Records judge, claimed that 500 Bihu dancers made up the previous record-breaking crowd before the event. He described the event as “mesmerising.”

Speaking at the event, the Assam chief minister expressed his belief that the people of Assam need to present themselves as a proud race on the world stage, and that their mentality of limiting themselves to certain boundaries has held them back.

He also spoke about the need to showcase the bravery and valour of historical figures from Assam, such as Lachit Barphukan, to the rest of the world. The event was well-received, with Guinness World Record adjudicator Rishi Nath describing it as “absolutely fantastic.”

While the exact number of musicians who participated in the second performance is yet to be determined, officials have indicated that it will be recorded in the official certificates.

The event was organised by the Assam government, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will present them with their official Guinness World Records certificates during a similar performance on Friday.

source/content: indiatvnews.com (headline edited)