In the heart of Assam, Sivasagar Girls' College is weaving a new chapter in education, integrating handloom training into its curriculum. This initiative, launched in July 2025, is a direct response to the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes practical learning and skill development. The college's program provides 18 students with hands-on experience in weaving and garment-making at Juga Textile, a local handloom unit.
The program's curriculum covers essential skills like setting the warp, threading yarn, and designing motifs, alongside modern tailoring techniques. This experiential learning is designed to equip students with practical skills, aligning with the NEP's focus on vocational education. The training includes everything from basic yarn work to fabric design and production.
The initiative is not just about preserving a traditional craft; it's about empowering students with skills for future livelihoods. Students like Anshumi Gogoi and Hridaya Mandal have already highlighted the benefits of this training, emphasizing its potential to create a solid foundation for their future careers. The Directorate of Handloom & Textiles in Assam supports this initiative, operating 102 Handloom Training Centers to enhance skills and create employment opportunities in the handloom sector.
This integration of handloom training into the curriculum is a testament to the college's commitment to providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for the future. The program aims to provide a strong foundation in vocational education, preparing students for self-employment or entrepreneurship while simultaneously promoting the Assamese handloom industry.