Friday, Oct 30, 2026 09:15 [IST]
Last Update: Friday, Oct 30, 2026 03:39 [IST]
PAKYONG,: ‘Lhali Kumo’, a Gurung Handloom and Textile Centre, was inaugurated
at Pasting, Lingtam, in Pakyong district on Thursday. The centre, aimed at
preserving traditional weaving skills and promoting sustainable livelihoods for
rural women, has been established with support from the Indian Army under
Operation Sadbhavana.
Area MLA and
Minister Puran Gurung inaugurated the centre in the presence of Chairperson of
the Commerce and Industries Department Nim Chikki Sherpa, Chairperson of the
Cooperation Department Bidya Biswakarma, Col. Basu Bhoj of 5/9 GR (Phillora),
Major Harsh Mishra, Nb/Sub Nawaraj Basnett, Panchayat President Arun Gurung,
SDM Rongli and other local dignitaries.
Addressing the
gathering, chief guest Puran Gurung congratulated the members of ‘Lhali Kumo’,
a women’s self-help group led by president Nar Maya Gurung and secretary
Passang Lhamu Tamang, along with 16 other members. He extended financial
assistance to the group to support the development of the centre and urged its
members to work towards self-reliance while passing on their traditional skills
to future generations.
Addressing the
residents of Pasting-Lingtam, the minister assured them of efforts to improve
road connectivity and extend government benefits to needy villagers. He also
said that priority would be given to fulfilling demands that serve the larger
public interest rather than individual interests.
Col. Basu
Bhoj, in his address, said the project had been extended to the women’s group
to strengthen their skills and enhance their income-generating opportunities.
He observed that while local communities possess valuable traditional skills,
they often lack the means to turn them into sustainable sources of livelihood.
He said the
centre would provide an opportunity for the women to translate their skills
into economic benefits and expressed hope that its traditional textiles and
products would gain recognition across the country and internationally.
On the
occasion, eight individuals who had contributed to the establishment of the
centre were felicitated with citations and traditional shawls.
Students of
Pasting Government Primary School presented rhymes, while women from the
village showcased traditional Gurung, Sherpa and Tamang dances.
Earlier, NB
Gurung, Account Officer in the Power Department, Government of Sikkim, and a
member of the organising committee, delivered the welcome address. He said the
initiative would benefit not only the members of the ‘Lhali Kumo’ women’s group
but also the wider community and future generations.
The centre
aims to empower rural women by promoting creativity, traditional craftsmanship,
economic self-reliance and the rich cultural heritage of the Gurung community.
The initiative
was conceived in February 2026 through the coordination of Nayak Subedar
Nawaraj Basnett, representing the Indian Army, and Dorjee Sherpa Pinasa of
Agamlok. Dorjee Sherpa Pinasa played an active role in engaging village women
through regular coordination, awareness meetings and community mobilisation.
‘Lhali Kumo’
seeks to promote traditional Gurung attire and handmade textile products,
including Lukuni, Topi, Radi and other woollen items. It also aims to preserve
traditional weaving skills, encourage their transmission to younger generations
and create sustainable livelihood opportunities through the production and
marketing of traditional products.
Under
Operation Sadbhavana, the Indian Army provided a range of equipment and
materials to support the centre. These included interlock, electric and
conventional sewing machines; two wool dryers; two washing machines; a display
cupboard; four aluminium pots; six plastic bowls; three spinning machines;
three handloom weaving (taan) machines; 220 kg of sheep wool; a cloth dryer;
and scissors, needles and other accessories.
