Assam CM Hails Sivasagar Girls’ College Students Engaging in Handloom Training

In a recent event that caught the attention of educators and policymakers across Assam, students of Sivasagar Girls’ College have been appreciated by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for actively taking part in handloom training programmes. The initiative, which aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to equip young learners with practical skills that are both culturally rooted and economically empowering. The students received hands-on training in traditional weaving techniques under the guidance of experts from the local handloom industry.

I found this development particularly meaningful because it reflects how education can be made more relevant and rooted in regional heritage. As someone who follows both education reforms and local development closely, I believe this is a great example of how classroom learning can go beyond theory and encourage real-life skills. Involving students in handloom activities not only strengthens Assam’s traditional industries but also gives young women the confidence to explore self-reliant career options. That’s why it’s important to write about this topic and highlight such models that blend education with practical skill-building.

Handloom Training Aligned With NEP 2020

The handloom training conducted at Sivasagar Girls’ College is part of the state’s initiative to integrate vocational education into mainstream academic structures. As per the NEP 2020, experiential learning and skill development are being prioritised at all levels of education. The training included modules on:

Basics of handloom weaving
Identifying traditional Assamese patterns
Using eco-friendly dyes and natural fibres
Product development and market awareness

Experts from the local weaving community and professionals from skill development agencies were invited to train the students over a structured timeline.

CM Sarma’s Appreciation and Its Impact

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma praised the initiative, calling it a strong step towards empowering women through education that is both traditional and future-ready. He stated that such programmes can bring about a silent revolution in rural and semi-urban Assam by making youth self-sufficient. His recognition of the students’ work is being seen as a morale booster not only for Sivasagar Girls’ College but also for similar institutions across the state.

He also pointed out that initiatives like these reflect Assam’s rich culture and must be passed on to younger generations. His endorsement is expected to help bring more support and funding for skill-based learning projects.

Why Handloom Matters in Assam

Assam has always had a strong handloom culture, especially with Mekhela Chador and other traditional textiles that are made using age-old techniques. However, with changing market trends, local artisans often struggle to compete with mass-produced fabrics. By training students in these crafts, institutions are building a bridge between tradition and modern entrepreneurial opportunities.

Involving the youth in handloom means they can choose to pursue this as a side business, hobby, or even a full-time profession. It also keeps the cultural legacy alive, allowing innovation within a traditional art form.

What This Means for Education in Assam

This programme sets a good example for other colleges looking to implement the NEP guidelines in practical ways. Instead of limiting skill development to workshops, colleges can adopt long-term training initiatives with direct community involvement. Students, particularly from underprivileged backgrounds, benefit the most when they can link their education with livelihood skills.

Moreover, vocational exposure like this helps in overall personality development, boosting confidence and creativity among students. With the state government’s support, more such initiatives could be rolled out across various districts.

Conclusion

Sivasagar Girls’ College’s handloom training is more than just a vocational activity—it’s a blend of cultural pride, education reform, and women’s empowerment. The appreciation from the Chief Minister adds importance to the initiative and sends out a strong message that practical education rooted in local tradition has a place in modern learning systems. If such efforts continue, Assam can create a new model of education—one that respects heritage and prepares students for the real world.

Education and Employment Can Transform Society: Dinesh Gundu Rao Highlights the Way Forward

During a recent public address in Mangaluru, Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stressed that education and employment are two powerful tools that can shape the future of any society. He pointed out that when people are educated and have meaningful jobs, they can rise above social divisions, poverty, and other long-standing issues. His statement came while addressing students and faculty at a function organised at Srinivas University, where he also touched on the importance of knowledge-driven growth.

I felt the need to write about this because it’s rare to hear such a strong political focus on the link between education, employment and overall societal transformation. We often hear about schemes, budgets and infrastructure, but rarely is the bigger picture discussed—how these two sectors can change the life of a common person. This topic matters to all of us, especially the youth, who are navigating a fast-changing job market while also dealing with rising academic pressure. By writing about this, I hope more people start thinking seriously about how education is not just about degrees, and employment is not just about money—it’s about dignity, stability and progress.

Why Education and Employment Matter Together

Education and employment are often treated as separate issues, but in reality, they go hand-in-hand. Education gives people the ability to think, create and contribute. Employment gives them the opportunity to apply what they know, support their families, and be part of the economy. According to Dinesh Gundu Rao, these two pillars must be developed together if we want a fairer and more productive society.

He stressed that:

Lack of access to education pushes people into poverty.
Unemployment leads to frustration, crime, and brain drain.
A society that fails to create job-ready youth will always remain unequal.

This is why investing in schools, colleges, and job-oriented courses is not just a policy decision—it’s a moral responsibility.

Government’s Role in Creating Equal Opportunities

During the event, Rao mentioned that governments should focus not only on building schools and colleges but also on ensuring the quality of education. He said students from rural areas often struggle because they don’t have the same access to English-medium teaching or computer labs as those in urban areas. This kind of inequality reflects in the job market too, where rural youth get fewer chances.

He also pointed out that:

Many graduates remain unemployed or underemployed because they are not industry-ready.
There is a big gap between what is taught in classrooms and what the job market demands.
Career counselling and vocational training should start at the school level.

According to him, if we want to see real change, we need long-term thinking and serious government commitment—not just one-time policies or election promises.

Importance of Social Harmony for Progress

One of the key messages Rao delivered was about unity. He said education should be a tool to unite people and not divide them. The minister raised concern about how communalism and polarisation are slowly taking attention away from important issues like job creation and educational reform.

He added that:

When youth are unemployed, they are more vulnerable to divisive ideologies.
Education can help people develop critical thinking and tolerance.
A strong education and employment ecosystem reduces dependence on populist politics.

He urged young people to stay informed, ask questions, and focus on real-life issues rather than distractions.