Shillong, April 02 : Meghalaya has achieved a significant milestone with its handwoven, handspun, naturally dyed, organically produced, and ethically sourced fabric, Ryndia, along with Meghalaya Handloom Products, being granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
The GI tag was officially announced by the GI Authority, Registrar Geographical Indications, Geographical Indications Registry, Intellectual Property Office, Government of India, and has been duly registered on the official GI Authority website.
The Department of Textiles, Government of Meghalaya, has been instrumental in driving this initiative, with consistent and proactive efforts over the past four years. The department received support from NABARD and technical assistance from Dr. Rajnikanth, actively facilitating and supporting the joint applications made by the Textiles Department and the Meghalaya Ryndia Producers Association. The journey began following the official recognition and declaration of Umden-Diwon as Meghalaya’s first Eri Silk village on February 12, 2021.
Frederick Roy Kharkongor IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Textiles, led a delegation comprising Textiles Department officials, the Meghalaya Ryndia Producers Association, and weavers from the Silk village to strongly advocate for the GI application at the final Consultative GI Group meeting held in Kolkata on November 20, 2024.
These efforts align with the vision of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Textiles Minister Paul Lyngdoh to promote Brand Meghalaya through its unique products and cultural heritage. The GI recognition for Ryndia and Meghalaya Khasi Handloom Products is a culmination of these collective efforts.
