Sivasagar (Assam) [India], July 11 : As part of the initiative of implementing the New Education Policy (NEP) being implemented in Assam, 18 students from Sivasagar Girls' College actively participated in a handloom and textile internship on Friday, stepping beyond traditional classrooms to gain hands-on experience.
These students, primarily from the Assamese and History departments, have been undergoing practical training in weaving and garment-making for over two weeks at Juga Textile, a handloom unit near Sivasagar town.
"A glimpse into tradition, progress, and the spirit of Assam--brought to life through the transformative implementation of NEP 2020, as students engage hands-on with the timeless art of weaving," the post read.
"The training includes everything from basic yarn work to fabric design and production. For many of the students, this is their first time working on a loom -- learning intricate tasks like setting the warp, threading the yarn, designing motifs, and understanding the entire fabric production process," the statement read.
This experiential learning not only boosts their confidence but also deepens their appreciation for Assam's rich handloom heritage. Alongside weaving, the students are also receiving structured training in modern tailoring techniques, including cutting and stitching, enabling them to create contemporary textile products.
One of the participating students, Anshumi Gogoi, said, "Under the New Education Policy, we are learning the art of weaving, which is extremely beneficial for us."
Another student, Hridaya Mandal, recounted how they learned valuable life skills for having a solid foundation, adding, "Earlier, we had no idea about this craft. Now we've learned so much, and this training could become a foundation for our future livelihoods."
"A textile and handloom training is being conducted at Juga Textile, located near our college. As per the NEP guidelines, we have been instructed to engage students in practical learning. Around 19 students from the History and Assamese departments are receiving training from experienced instructors," Professor Probin Sarmah of the Sivasagar college said.
According to the professor, Juga textile was established in 2013 and since grown into a training centre too.
"Juga Textile, established in 2013, has now grown into a full-fledged industry-cum-training centre. Our Chief Minister has also appreciated this step, and we consider it a great opportunity. We aim to continue this as an integral part of our curriculum," he said.
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. By linking education with traditional crafts, the initiative aspires to create a skilled, educated workforce that can rejuvenate the sector.
TulTul Handique, proprietor of Juga Textile, said, "Under NEP, these students are learning a lot here. We hope that such practical training will help them grow both academically and technically. It will also inspire the development of more local textile enterprises across Assam."