**Executive Summary**
The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) formally launched "Padma Doree" on May 1, 2026, a textile initiative merging Northeast India's Eri silk with Madhya Pradesh's Chanderi weaving traditions. This cross-cultural collaboration aims to create a sustainable, artisan-centric ecosystem while promoting innovation and ethical production. A three-day interactive exhibition commenced on the launch date to showcase the journey from fiber to fabric and facilitate direct engagement with traditional crafts.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Initiative Overview**
* **Fusion of Traditions:** Padma Doree combines the ethical, sustainable Eri (Ahimsa) silk from the Northeast with the intricate motifs and finesse of Chanderi textiles from Madhya Pradesh.
* **Strategic Alignment:** The initiative is part of the Prime Minister’s vision of 'Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat' and was realized under the leadership of the Union Minister of MDoNER.
* **Sustainability Focus:** The project emphasizes sustainable luxury, indigenous knowledge systems, and ethical textile production.
**Launch and Exhibition Details**
* **Public Unveiling:** The launch featured a fashion show demonstrating the fusion of the two textile traditions and curated exhibition walkthroughs.
* **Interactive Platform:** A three-day exhibition serves as an evolving space for visitors to experience textile development and participate in the "fiber to fabric" journey.
* **Cultural Integration:** The showcase includes live craft demonstrations by artisans and regional culinary experiences reflecting the participating regions' heritage.
**Market and Innovation Goals**
* **Contemporary Relevance:** The initiative positions traditional crafts within contemporary markets to ensure their continued relevance.
* **Technological and Creative Innovation:** Beyond preserving heritage, the project is designed to bring innovation to the handloom and handicraft sectors.
**Impact Analysis**
**Artisans from Northeast India and Madhya Pradesh**
**Impact**
Artisans gain a global platform to showcase their craft traditions, share indigenous knowledge, and interact directly with contemporary markets and consumers.
**Action Required**
Participate in live demonstrations and share insights into their craft processes during the three-day showcase.
**Visitors and Consumers**
**Impact**
They are provided with an educational and interactive experience regarding the journey of textiles and the importance of sustainable, ethical fashion.
**Action Required**
Engage with artisans and exhibition walkthroughs to understand the collaborative processes and development of the textiles.
**NEHHDC and Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER)**
**Impact**
These bodies facilitate regional integration and promote the economic viability of traditional textiles through high-profile cross-regional initiatives.
**Action Required**
Manage the ongoing exhibition and continue the development of the "Padma Doree" ecosystem to support the sustainable luxury market.
Key Entities Referenced
Padma Doree: A cross-cultural textile initiative that blends the Eri silk traditions of Northeast India with the Chanderi weaving heritage of Madhya Pradesh to promote a sustainable, artisan-centric ecosystem.
North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC): The Central Public Sector Enterprise responsible for implementing the Padma Doree initiative and managing handicraft development in the Northeast region.
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat: The national vision and program under which the Padma Doree initiative was conceived to promote cultural and regional integration.
Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER): The primary union ministry overseeing the initiative and facilitating cross-regional collaborations for the development of Northeast India.
Northeast India and Madhya Pradesh: The target regions central to the initiative's scope, specifically focusing on the fusion of their respective Eri silk and Chanderi textile traditions.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
Global launch of 'Padma Doree'
A Cross-Regional Textile Initiative Linking Northeast India and
Madhya Pradesh
Blends Eri Silk and Chanderi Traditions to Promote a
Sustainable, Artisan-Centric Textile Ecosystem
Posted On: 01 MAY 2026 8:43PM by PIB Delhi
The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), a CPSE under the
Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), today formally unveiled Padma Doree, a
unique cross-cultural textile initiative that brings together the Eri (Ahimsa) silk traditions of Northeast
India with the rich Chanderi weaving heritage of Madhya Pradesh.
The initiative was officially launched by Secretary, MDoNER, Sanjay Jaju, followed by a captivating
fashion show that showcased the fusion of Eri silk—renowned for its ethical and sustainable production—
with the intricate motifs and finesse of Chanderi textiles.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Sanjay Jaju said It is Hon’rable Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s vision of
Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat that Padma Doree is come into being. He said that under the visionary
leadership of Union Minister of Development of North Eastern Region Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia this new
initiative as realised today .
He stated Padma Doree is distinct because it is coming from two different textile traditions – Chanderi
from Madhya Pradesh and Eri Silk from the North East India. Shri Jaju said Padma Doree is not just
bringing heritage, but also brining innovation.The launch event featured curated exhibition walkthroughs, offering insights into the development of the
textiles and the collaborative processes behind them. Positioned within the broader discourse on Indian
textiles, indigenous knowledge systems, and sustainable luxury, the initiative underscores the relevance of
traditional crafts in contemporary markets.
The three-day exhibition, commencing today, has been designed as an interactive and evolving platform,
allowing visitors to engage directly with artisans, understand textile processes, and experience the journey
from fibre to fabric.Artisans from Northeast India and Madhya Pradesh are actively participating in the showcase, offering
live demonstrations and sharing insights into their craft traditions. The event also integrates regional
culinary experiences, reflecting the cultural richness of the participating regions.
Speaking at launching programme NEHHDC Managing DirectoMara Kocho said, “Padma Doree brings
together the fibre traditions of the North East and the handloom heritage of Chanderi, creating an
integrated and sustainable textile ecosystem.
The unveiling event was graced by film Director Muzaffar Ali, Senior officials of MDoNER, officials
from Madhya Pradesh Handloom along with other dignitaries, designers, and artisans associated with the
initiative.***
PS
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