In a significant development, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that 19 traditional products and crafts from Assam have been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. These include well-known items like 'Bihu Dhol', 'Jaapi', and various creations from the Bodo community. Thirteen of these products hold special significance for the Bodo tribe, the largest indigenous group in Assam.
Describing it as a significant milestone for Assam's heritage, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his joy on social media. He mentioned the crucial role played by NABARD, RO Guwahati, and GI Expert Padma Shri Dr. Rajani Kant in securing six prestigious GI Tags for traditional crafts. These crafts, deeply entrenched in Assam's history, directly support nearly one lakh individuals.
Among the notable items receiving the GI tags are Assam Jaapi, a traditional bamboo hat, and Bihu Dhol, a drum integral to the Bihu festival. Applications for these certifications were submitted in late 2022, with the announcements made recently.
Apart from these, Assam Asharikandi Terracotta Craft, Assam Pani Mateka Craft, Sarthebari Metal Craft, and Assam Mising Handloom Products have also received GI tags, further emphasizing the diverse heritage of Assam.
In a separate announcement, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma celebrated the recognition of 13 products belonging to the Bodo community with GI tags. This acknowledgment coincided with the birth anniversary of Upendranath Brahma, revered as 'Bodofa' (guardian of the Bodos). These certified items, including agricultural products like Gongar Dunjia, Keradapini, and Khardwi, alongside musical instruments such as Kham, Serja, Thorkha, Jotha, Gongona, and Sifung, encapsulate the rich cultural identity of the Bodo people.
The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) chief, Pramod Bodo, also shared the joy, stating that it's a moment of immense pride for the entire Bodoland. The GI tags signify the official recognition of the cultural legacy carried by these products, promising a boost in their promotion and preservation for future generations.
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