Bomdila, Apr 29: A six-day immersive workshop on natural dyeing was recently held in the scenic Chug Valley of West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh, home to the culturally rich and resilient Monpa tribe.
Organised by the Vanwasi Aadiwasi Foundation (VAF), the workshop was led by its founder Tripti Shukla, whose work focuses on reviving indigenous knowledge systems to empower local communities.
The workshop featured Sanghmitra Kalita, creative director of Econic India, as the resource person, in collaboration with Climate B Venture.
Participants engaged in hands-on learning that began with foraging for local plants and extended to extracting and applying natural dyes. The sessions not only highlighted sustainable practices but also underscored the importance of cultural preservation and creative innovation.
A key highlight of the workshop was the exploration of Mon-shugu, the traditional handmade paper of the Monpa tribe.
Participants learned value addition techniques aimed at enhancing its potential for use in modern craft and design markets. The initiative also bridged the tribe’s textile heritage with contemporary eco-conscious design practices.
Set amid the tranquil beauty of Chug Valley, the workshop became a powerful convergence of ancestral wisdom and modern sustainability. It served as a living example of how traditional crafts can support both cultural resilience and local livelihoods.
Through the collaborative efforts of Vanwasi Aadiwasi Foundation, Econic India, and Climate B Venture, the workshop marked a significant step toward protecting and promoting indigenous arts and knowledge systems for future generations.
