Preserving Culture through Skill Development in Manipur

Manipur is renowned for its culture and traditions. Many heritage related skills like handloom, carpentry, carpet weaving, cane and bamboo products are also the pride of Manipur. However, due to various reasons indigenous skills are hardly being transferred to the young generation. While new technologies open new perspectives for preservation and conservation, it can also lead to disappearance of our indigenous skills if not used properly. There should be an initiative from both the students and educators that aims to address these challenges by supporting the inclusion of cultural heritage in skill development. Curriculums in skill development institutions should aim to train and impart the younger generation with skills that would help them get employment into heritage-related jobs in addition to other sectors. This will play a significant role in preservation and it will also act as a means for tackling unemployment.